Differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into single hormonal insulin positive cells

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides methods to promote the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells. In particular, the present invention provides methods to produce a population of cells, wherein greater than 10% of the cells in the population express markers characteristic of single hormonal pancreatic beta cells.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/831,115, filed Aug. 20, 2015, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/708,369, filed Dec. 7, 2012, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,388,386, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/579,351, filed Dec. 22, 2011. The prior applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is in the field of cell differentiation. More specifically, the invention provides single hormonal insulin producing cells differentiated from pluripotent stem cells using defined conditions at each step of a stepwise differentiation. Greater than 10% of the differentiated insulin producing cells in the population express markers characteristic of single hormonal pancreatic beta cells.

BACKGROUND

Advances in cell-replacement therapy for Type I diabetes mellitus and a shortage of transplantable islets of Langerhans have focused interest on developing sources of insulin-producing cells, or β cells, appropriate for engraftment. One approach is the generation of functional β cells from pluripotent stem cells, such as, for example, embryonic stem cells.

In vertebrate embryonic development, a pluripotent cell gives rise to a group of cells comprising three germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm) in a process known as gastrulation. Tissues such as, thyroid, thymus, pancreas, gut, and liver, will develop from the endoderm, via an intermediate stage. An intermediate stage in this process is the formation of definitive endoderm. Definitive endoderm cells express a number of markers, such as, HNF3beta, GATA4, MIXL1, CXCR4 and SOX17.

By the end of gastrulation, the endoderm is partitioned into anterior-posterior domains that can be recognized by the expression of a panel of factors that uniquely mark anterior, mid, and posterior regions of the endoderm. For example, Hhex, and Sox2 identify the anterior region while Cdx1, 2, and 4 identify the posterior half of the endoderm.

Migration of endoderm tissue brings the endoderm into close proximity with different mesodermal tissues that help in regionalization of the gut tube. This is accomplished by a plethora of secreted factors, such as FGFs, Wnts, TGF-Bs, retinoic acid (RA), and BMP ligands and their antagonists. For example, FGF4 and BMP promote Cdx2 expression in the presumptive hindgut endoderm and repress expression of the anterior genes Hhex and SOX2 (Development 2000, 127:1563-1567). WNT signaling has also been shown to work in parallel to FGF signaling to promote hindgut development and inhibit foregut fate (Development 2007, 134:2207-2217). Lastly, secreted retinoic acid by mesenchyme regulates the foregut-hindgut boundary (Curr Biol 2002, 12:1215-1220).

The level of expression of specific transcription factors may be used to designate the identity of a tissue. During transformation of the definitive endoderm into a primitive gut tube, the gut tube becomes regionalized into broad domains that can be observed at the molecular level by restricted gene expression patterns. For example, the regionalized pancreas domain in the gut tube shows a very high expression of PDX-1 and very low expression of CDX2 and SOX2. Similarly, the presence of high levels of Foxe1 are indicative of esophagus tissue; highly expressed in the lung tissue is NKX2.1; SOX2/Odd1 (OSR1) are highly expressed in stomach tissue; expression of PROX1/Hhex/AFP is high in liver tissue; SOX17 is highly expressed in biliary structure tissues; PDX1, NKX6.1/PTf1a, and NKX2.2 are highly expressed in pancreatic tissue; and expression of CDX2 is high in intestine tissue. The summary above is adapted from Dev Dyn 2009, 238:29-42 and Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol 2009, 25:221-251.

Formation of the pancreas arises from the differentiation of definitive endoderm into pancreatic endoderm (Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol 2009, 25:221-251; Dev Dyn 2009, 238:29-42). Dorsal and ventral pancreatic domains arise from the foregut epithelium. Foregut also gives rise to the esophagus, trachea, lungs, thyroid, stomach, liver, pancreas, and bile duct system.

Cells of the pancreatic endoderm express the pancreatic-duodenal homeobox gene PDX1. In the absence of PDX1, the pancreas fails to develop beyond the formation of ventral and dorsal buds. Thus, PDX1 expression marks a critical step in pancreatic organogenesis. The mature pancreas contains, among other cell types, exocrine tissue and endocrine tissue. Exocrine and endocrine tissues arise from the differentiation of pancreatic endoderm.

D'Amour et al. describes the production of enriched cultures of human embryonic stem cell-derived definitive endoderm in the presence of a high concentration of activin and low serum (Nature Biotechnol 2005, 23:1534-1541; U.S. Pat. No. 7,704,738). Transplanting these cells under the kidney capsule of mice resulted in differentiation into more mature cells with characteristics of endodermal tissue (U.S. Pat. No. 7,704,738). Human embryonic stem cell-derived definitive endoderm cells can be further differentiated into PDX1 positive cells after addition of FGF-10 and retinoic acid (U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0266554A1). Subsequent transplantation of these pancreatic precursor cells under the kidney capsule of immune deficient mice resulted in formation of functional pancreatic endocrine cells following a 3-4 month maturation phase (U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,993,920 and 7,534,608).

Fisk et al. report a system for producing pancreatic islet cells from human embryonic stem cells (U.S. Pat. No. 7,033,831). In this case, the differentiation pathway was divided into three stages. Human embryonic stem cells were first differentiated to endoderm using a combination of sodium butyrate and activin A (U.S. Pat. No. 7,326,572). The cells were then cultured with BMP antagonists, such as Noggin, in combination with EGF or betacellulin to generate PDX1 positive cells. The terminal differentiation was induced by nicotinamide.

Small molecule inhibitors have also been used for induction of pancreatic endocrine precursor cells. For example, small molecule inhibitors of TGF-B receptor and BMP receptors (Development 2011, 138:861-871; Diabetes 2011, 60:239-247) have been used to significantly enhance number of pancreatic endocrine cells. In addition, small molecule activators have also been used to generate definitive endoderm cells or pancreatic precursor cells (Curr Opin Cell Biol 2009, 21:727-732; Nature Chem Biol 2009, 5:258-265).

Previous attempts at the induction of pancreatic precursor cells from human embryonic stem cells have highlighted the importance of co-expression of PDX-1 and NKX6.1 in correctly identifying pancreatic endoderm. However, while the art has identified the population of cells positive in expression of PDX-1 and NKX6.1 to be low or absent of CDX2 expression, previous reports have failed to test for presence of markers just anterior to the developing pancreas. SOX2, which marks the anterior endoderm, is not expressed in adult islets and is expressed at a very low level in developing pancreas (Diabetes 2005, 54:3402-4309). In contrast, some of the examples in this application disclose cell populations where at least 30% of the pancreatic endoderm cells generated from human embryonic stem cells are positive for the expression of PDX-1 and NKX6.1, and negative for the expression of CDX2 and SOX2.

All of the previous attempts to generate functional pancreatic beta cells have fallen short of attaining cells with characteristics of mature beta cells. Hallmarks of mature beta cells include expression of single hormonal insulin, correct processing of proinsulin into insulin and C-peptide, strong expression of PDX-1 and NKX6.1, appropriate insulin release in response to glucose, expression of glucose transporters, and high expression of glucokinase. All of the previous reports have resulted in endocrine cells that produce two or more of the pancreatic hormones. For example, D'Amour et al (Nature Biotech 2006, 24:1392-1401) report the generation of a cell population comprising ˜10% insulin positive cells and ˜20% endocrine cells as measured by synaptophysin. Similar reports by others (Cell Res 2009, 19:429-438; Stem Cells 2007, 25:1940-1953; Diabetes Obes Metab 2008, 10:186-194) have also shown differentiation of pluripotent cells to non-functional insulin positive cells. Indeed, recent studies have clearly established that transplantation of polyhormonal cells in Severe Combined ImmunoDeficiency (SCID) mice did not result in generation of functional beta cells (Diabetes 2011, 60:239-247; Nature Biotech 2011, 29:750-756). While in human fetal pancreas a fraction (˜10-20%) of endocrine cells are polyhormonal cells; polyhormonal cells disappear in adult human pancreas (Histochem Cell Biol 1999, 112:147-153; J Histochem Cytochem 2009, 57:811-824).

As the burgeoning field of regenerative medicine continues to mature, a method for the formation of terminally differentiated, appropriately regulated pancreatic endocrine cells is highly desirable. We demonstrate here that with appropriate and defined manipulation of culture conditions, and precise timing of the addition of activators/inhibitors of various pathways, human embryonic stem cells can be differentiated in vitro into functional pancreatic beta cells. In particular, precise timing of BMP inhibition, using a gradient of retinoic acid along with the use of Vitamin C proved effective in generation of single hormonal pancreatic endocrine cells.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a population of cells of the pancreatic endoderm lineage obtained in vitro by the stepwise differentiation of pluripotent cells. The medium used at each step of differentiation is supplemented with glucose. In some embodiments, at each step of differentiation the cells are cultured in medium comprising 5 mM to 20 mM glucose.

In some embodiments, differentiation of pluripotent stem cells generates a pancreatic endoderm cell population where greater than 10% of the cells in the differentiated population express markers characteristic of single hormonal pancreatic beta cells.

In some embodiments, differentiation of pluripotent stem cells generates a pancreatic endoderm cell population where greater than 30% of the differentiated population is positive for the expression of PDX-1 and NKX6.1 while being negative for the expression of CDX2 and SOX2.

In some embodiments, the stepwise differentiation comprises culturing undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells in medium further supplemented with a TGF-B ligand. In some embodiments, the stepwise differentiation comprises culturing undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells in medium further supplemented with a WNT activator. In some embodiments, the stepwise differentiation comprises culturing definitive endoderm cells in medium further supplemented with a FGF ligand. In some embodiments, the stepwise differentiation comprises culturing gut tube cells in medium further supplemented with a shh inhibitor, a FGF ligand, a PKC activator, a TGF-B ligand, a retinoid, and a gradient of a BMP inhibitor. In some embodiments, the stepwise differentiation comprises culturing posterior foregut cells in medium further supplemented with a PKC activator, a shh inhibitor, a retinoid, and a BMP inhibitor. In some embodiments, the stepwise differentiation comprises culturing cells in medium further supplemented with ascorbic acid.

In an embodiment, the invention provides an in vitro method for the stepwise differentiation of pluripotent cells into a population of cells of the pancreatic endoderm lineage, which comprises culturing the cells at each stage of differentiation in medium comprising 5 mM to 20 mM glucose. In some embodiments, the in vitro method for the stepwise differentiation of pluripotent cells further comprises differentiating the pluripotent cells into definitive endoderm (DE) cells by culturing the pluripotent cells in medium supplemented with a TGF-B ligand and a WNT activator. In some embodiments, the in vitro method for the stepwise differentiation of pluripotent cells further comprises differentiating the DE cells into gut tube cells by culturing the DE cells in medium supplemented with a FGF ligand. In some embodiments, the in vitro method for the stepwise differentiation of pluripotent cells further comprises differentiating the gut tube cells into posterior foregut endoderm cells by culturing the gut tube cells in medium supplemented with a shh inhibitor, a FGF ligand, a PKC activator, a TGF-B ligand, a retinoid, and a BMP inhibitor. In some embodiments, the in vitro method for the stepwise differentiation of pluripotent cells further comprises differentiating the gut tube cells into posterior foregut endoderm cells by culturing the gut tube cells in medium supplemented with a shh inhibitor, a FGF ligand, a PKC activator, a TGF-B ligand, a retinoid, and a BMP inhibitor. In some embodiments, the in vitro method for the stepwise differentiation of pluripotent cells further comprises differentiating the posterior foregut endoderm cells into pancreatic foregut cells by culturing the posterior foregut endoderm cells in medium supplemented with a PKC activator, a shh inhibitor, a retinoid, and a BMP inhibitor. In some embodiments, the in vitro method for the stepwise differentiation of pluripotent cells further comprises differentiating the pancreatic foregut cells into pancreatic endoderm cells by culturing the pancreatic foregut cells in medium supplemented with a shh inhibitor, a TGF-B inhibitor, and a retinoid. In some embodiments, the in vitro method for the stepwise differentiation of pluripotent cells further comprises differentiating the pancreatic endoderm cells into a pancreatic beta cell population.

In an embodiment, in at least one step of the in vitro method for the stepwise differentiation of pluripotent cells the medium is further supplemented with ascorbic acid. In some embodiments, greater than 10% of the cells in the differentiated population are single hormonal insulin positive cells. In some embodiments, greater than 30% of pancreatic endoderm cells in culture generated by the methods of the invention are PDX-1+, NKX6.1+, SOX2−, and CDX2−.

In an embodiment, the invention relates to an in vitro method for differentiating human embryonic stem cells into pancreatic beta cells comprising: a) culturing undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells in medium supplemented with glucose, a TGF-B ligand, and a WNT activator, to generate a population of definite endoderm (DE) cells; b) culturing the DE cells in medium supplemented with glucose, and a FGF ligand to generate a population of gut tube cells; c) culturing the gut tube cells in medium supplemented with glucose, a shh inhibitor, a FGF ligand, a PKC activator, a TGF-B ligand, a retinoid, and a gradient of a BMP inhibitor to generate a population of posterior foregut endoderm cells expressing PDX-1 and SOX2; d) culturing the posterior foregut cells in medium supplemented with glucose, a PKC activator, a shh inhibitor, a retinoid, and a BMP inhibitor to generate a population of pancreatic foregut cells expressing PDX-1 and NKX6.1, and expressing lower level of SOX2 as compared to the posterior foregut cells; e) culturing the pancreatic foregut cells in medium supplemented with glucose, a shh inhibitor, a TGF-B inhibitor, and a retinoid to obtain a population of pancreatic endoderm cells expressing PDX-1, a higher level of NKX6.1, and a lower level of SOX2 as compared to pancreatic foregut cells; and f) differentiating the pancreatic endoderm cells into a pancreatic beta cell population. In some embodiments, the pancreatic beta cell population generated by the methods of the invention is PDX-1+, NKX6.1+, SOX2−, and CDX2−. In some embodiments the medium in at least one step of the stepwise differentiation method is further supplemented with ascorbic acid. In some embodiments, the pancreatic beta cells obtained by the methods of the invention are single hormonal insulin-producing cells which are also NKX6.1+ and PDX-1+.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A to FIG. 1G show the FACS histogram expression profiles of the following markers at S3 day 2 of cells differentiated according to Example 1. FIG. 1A: Isotype control; FIG. 1B: chromogranin; FIG. 1C: KI-67; FIG. 1D: NKX6.1; FIG. 1E: SOX2; FIG. 1F: CDX2; FIG. 1G: PDX-1. Percentage expression for each marker is shown on each histogram.

FIG. 2A to FIG. 2G show the FACS histogram expression profiles of the following markers in cells differentiated according to Example 1, and harvested at S4 day 2. FIG. 2A: Isotype control; FIG. 2B: chromogranin; FIG. 2C: KI-67; FIG. 2D: NKX6.1; FIG. 2E: SOX2; FIG. 2F: CDX2; FIG. 2G: PDX-1. Percentage expression for each marker is shown on each histogram.

FIG. 3A to FIG. 3G show the FACS histogram expression profiles of the following markers in cells differentiated according to Example 1 and harvested at S5 day 2.

FIG. 3A: Isotype control; FIG. 3B: chromogranin; FIG. 3C: KI-67; FIG. 3D: NKX6.1; FIG. 3E: SOX2; FIG. 3F: CDX2; FIG. 3G: PDX-1. Percentage expression for each marker is shown on each histogram.

FIG. 4A to FIG. 4G show FACS histogram expression profiles of the following markers of cells differentiated according to Example 1 and harvested at S5 day 7. FIG. 4A: Isotype control; FIG. 4B: chromogranin; FIG. 4C: KI-67; FIG. 4D: NKX6.1; FIG. 4E: SOX2; FIG. 4F: CDX2; FIG. 4G: PDX-1. Percentage expression for each marker is shown on each histogram.

FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C depict FACS histogram expression profiles of the following markers in cells differentiated according to Example 1 and harvested at cells harvested at S5 day 2. FIG. 5A: chromogranin (y-axis) and CDX2 (x axis); FIG. 5B: chromogranin (y-axis) and SOX2 (x axis); FIG. 5C: chromogranin (y-axis) and NKX6.1 (x axis). Percentage co-expression for each plot is shown on each histogram.

FIG. 6A to FIG. 6T show data from real-time PCR analyses of the expression of the following genes in cells of the human embryonic stem cell line H1 differentiated according to the Example 1 and harvested at S2, S3, S4, and S5. FIG. 6A: CDX2; FIG. 6B: CD142; FIG. 6C: FOXE1; FIG. 6D: HNF4-alpha; FIG. 6E: NKX2.1; FIG. 6F: NKX2.2; FIG. 6G: NKX6.1; FIG. 6H: OSR1; FIG. 6I: PDX-1; FIG. 6J: PROX1; FIG. 6K: PTF1a; FIG. 6L: SOX17; FIG. 6M: SOX2; FIG. 6N: insulin; FIG. 6O: ZIC1; FIG. 6P: chromogranin; FIG. 6Q: glucagon; FIG. 6R: Ngn3; FIG. 6S: NeuroD; FIG. 6T: somatostatin.

FIG. 7A to FIG. 7G depict data from real-time PCR analyses of the expression of the following genes in cells of the H1 cell line differentiated according to Example 2 and harvested at day 3 of S2, S3, or S4. FIG. 7A: NKX6.1; FIG. 7B: PDX-1; FIG. 7C: chromogranin; FIG. 7D: NGN3; FIG. 7E: CDX2; FIG. 7F: albumin; FIG. 7G: SOX2.

FIG. 8A to FIG. 8G depict data from real-time PCR analyses of the expression of the following markers in H1 cells differentiated according to Example 3 and harvested at S2, S3, S4, or S5. FIG. 8A: NKX6.1; FIG. 8B: PDX-1; FIG. 8C: NGN3; FIG. 8D: NeuroD; FIG. 8E: chromogranin; FIG. 8F: CDX2; FIG. 8G: SOX2.

FIG. 9A to FIG. 9H depict data from real-time PCR analyses of the expression of the following markers in H1 cells differentiated according to Example 4 and harvested at day 4 of S3 and S4. FIG. 9A: NKX6.1; FIG. 9B: PDX-1; FIG. 9C: chromogranin; FIG. 9D: NGN3; FIG. 9E: NeuroD; FIG. 9F: CDX2; FIG. 9G: albumin; FIG. 9H: SOX2.

FIG. 10A to FIG. 10H depict data from real-time PCR analyses of the expression of the following genes in cells of the human embryonic stem cell line H1 differentiated according to the Example 5 and harvested at stage 4. FIG. 10A: NKX6.1; FIG. 10B: PDX-1; FIG. 10C: chromogranin; FIG. 10D: NGN3; FIG. 10E: NeuroD; FIG. 10F: CDX2; FIG. 10G: albumin; FIG. 10H: SOX2.

FIG. 11A to FIG. 11H show data from real-time PCR analysis of the expression of the following genes in cells of the human embryonic stem cell line H1 differentiated according to the Example 6 and harvested at day 3 of S3 or S6. FIG. 11A: NKX6.1; FIG. 11B: PDX-1; FIG. 11C: chromogranin; FIG. 11D: NGN3; FIG. 11E: NeuroD; FIG. 11F: CDX2; FIG. 11G: albumin; FIG. 11H: SOX2.

FIG. 12A to FIG. 12G depict data from real-time PCR analysis of the expression of the following genes in cells of the human embryonic stem cell line H1 differentiated according to the Example 7 and harvested at day 3 of S3, S4, or S5. FIG. 12A: NKX6.1; FIG. 12B: PDX-1; FIG. 12C: chromogranin; FIG. 12D: NGN3; FIG. 12E: NeuroD; FIG. 12F: CDX2; FIG. 12G: SOX2.

FIG. 13A to FIG. 13G depict data from real-time PCR analyses of the expression of the following genes in cells of the human embryonic stem cell line H1 differentiated according to the Example 8 and harvested at S3, S4, S5, or S6. FIG. 13A: NKX6.1; FIG. 13B: PDX-1; FIG. 13C: chromogranin; FIG. 13D: NGN3; FIG. 13E: NeuroD; FIG. 13F: CDX2; FIG. 13G: SOX2.

FIG. 14A to FIG. 14H show FACS histogram expression profiles of the following markers at S3 day 4 of cells differentiated according to Example 9. FIG. 14A: Isotype control; FIG. 14B: chromogranin; FIG. 14C: KI-67; FIG. 14D: NKX6.1; FIG. 14E: SOX2; FIG. 14F: HNF3B; FIG. 14G: CDX2; FIG. 14H: PDX-1. Percentage expression for each marker is shown on each histogram.

FIG. 15A to FIG. 15G show FACS histogram expression profiles of the following markers at S4 day 2 of cells differentiated according to Example 9. FIG. 15A: Isotype control; FIG. 15B: NKX6.1; FIG. 15C: KI-67; FIG. 15D: chromogranin; FIG. 15E: SOX2; FIG. 15F CDX2; FIG. 15G: PDX-1. Percentage expression for each marker is shown on each histogram.

FIG. 16A to FIG. 16F show FACS histogram expression profiles of the following markers at S4 day 4 of cells differentiated according to Example 9. FIG. 16A: Isotype control; FIG. 16B: NKX6.1; FIG. 16C: chromogranin; FIG. 16D: SOX2; FIG. 16E: CDX2; FIG. 16F: PDX-1. Percentage expression for each marker is shown on each histogram.

FIG. 17A to FIG. 17J show data from real-time PCR analysis of the expression of the following genes in cells of the human embryonic stem cell line H1 differentiated according to the Example 9 and harvested at S1D3, S2D3, S3D4, S4D2, and S4D4. FIG. 17A: CDX2; FIG. 17B: HHex; FIG. 17C: FOXE1; FIG. 17D: IPF1 (PDX-1); FIG. 17E: NKX2.1; FIG. 17F: NKX2.2; FIG. 17G: NKX6.1; FIG. 17H: PROX1; FIG. 17I: SOX2; FIG. 17J: SOX9.

FIG. 18A to FIG. 18G show FACS histogram expression profiles of the following markers at S3 day 3 of cells differentiated according to Example 10. FIG. 18A: Isotype control; FIG. 18B: NKX6.1; FIG. 18C: chromogranin; FIG. 18D: SOX2; FIG. 18E: CDX2; FIG. 18F: KI-67; FIG. 18G: PDX-1. Percentage expression for each marker is shown on each histogram.

FIG. 19A to FIG. 19G show FACS histogram expression profiles of the following markers at S4 day 5 of cells differentiated according to Example 10. FIG. 19A: Isotype control; FIG. 19B: NKX6.1; FIG. 19C: chromogranin; FIG. 19D: SOX2; FIG. 19E: CDX2; FIG. 19F: KI-67; FIG. 19G: PDX-1. Percentage expression for each marker is shown on each histogram.

FIG. 20A to FIG. 20J show real-time PCR analysis of the expression of the following genes in cells of the human embryonic stem cell line H1 differentiated according to the Example 11. FIG. 20A: somatostatin; FIG. 20B: PDX1; FIG. 20C: Pax6; FIG. 20D: Pax4; FIG. 20E: NKX6.1; FIG. 20F: NGN3; FIG. 20G: glucagon; FIG. 20H: NeuroD; FIG. 20I: insulin; FIG. 20J: chromogranin.

FIG. 21A to FIG. 21J show data from real-time PCR analysis of the expression of the following genes in cells of the human embryonic stem cell line H1 differentiated according to the Example 12 and harvested at S4 day 2, S5 day 2, and S5 day 9. FIG. 21A: somatostatin; FIG. 21B: PDX1; FIG. 21C: Pax6; FIG. 21D: Pax4; FIG. 21E: NKX6.1; FIG. 21F: NGN3; FIG. 21G: NeuroD; FIG. 21H: insulin; FIG. 21I: glucagon; FIG. 21J: chromogranin.

FIG. 22A to FIG. 22L show data from real-time PCR analyses of the expression of the following genes in cells of the embryonic stem cell line H1 differentiated according to example 13 and harvested at S5 day 3. FIG. 22A: Pax4; FIG. 22B: Pax6; FIG. 22C: PDX1; FIG. 22D: PTF1a; FIG. 22E: glucagon; FIG. 22F: insulin; FIG. 22G: NeuroD; FIG. 22H: ngn3; FIG. 22I: Zic1; FIG. 22J: CDX2; FIG. 22K: albumin; FIG. 22L: NKX6.1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For clarity of disclosure, and not by way of limitation, the detailed description of the invention is divided into the following subsections that describe or illustrate certain features, embodiments or applications of the present invention.

Definitions

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells defined by their ability, at the single cell level, to both self-renew and differentiate. Stem cells may produce progeny cells, including self-renewing progenitors, non-renewing progenitors, and terminally differentiated cells. Stem cells are also characterized by their ability to differentiate in vitro into functional cells of various cell lineages from multiple germ layers (endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm). Stem cells also give rise to tissues of multiple germ layers following transplantation and contribute substantially to most, if not all, tissues following injection into blastocysts.

Stem cells are classified by their developmental potential as: (1) totipotent, meaning able to give rise to all embryonic and extraembryonic cell types; (2) pluripotent, meaning able to give rise to all embryonic cell types; (3) multipotent, meaning able to give rise to a subset of cell lineages but all within a particular tissue, organ, or physiological system (for example, hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) can produce progeny that include HSC (self-renewal), blood cell restricted oligopotent progenitors, and all cell types and elements (e.g., platelets) that are normal components of the blood); (4) oligopotent, meaning able to give rise to a more restricted subset of cell lineages than multipotent stem cells; and (5) unipotent, meaning able to give rise to a single cell lineage (e.g., spermatogenic stem cells).

Differentiation is the process by which an unspecialized (“uncommitted”) or less specialized cell acquires the features of a specialized cell such as, for example, a nerve cell or a muscle cell. A differentiated cell or a differentiation-induced cell is one that has taken on a more specialized (“committed”) position within the lineage of a cell. The term “committed”, when applied to the process of differentiation, refers to a cell that has proceeded in the differentiation pathway to a point where, under normal circumstances, it will continue to differentiate into a specific cell type or subset of cell types, and cannot, under normal circumstances, differentiate into a different cell type or revert to a less differentiated cell type. “De-differentiation” refers to the process by which a cell reverts to a less specialized (or committed) position within the lineage of a cell. As used herein, the lineage of a cell defines the heredity of the cell, i.e., which cells it came from and what cells it can give rise to. The lineage of a cell places the cell within a hereditary scheme of development and differentiation. A lineage-specific marker refers to a characteristic specifically associated with the phenotype of cells of a lineage of interest and can be used to assess the differentiation of an uncommitted cell to the lineage of interest.

“Markers”, as used herein, are nucleic acid or polypeptide molecules that are differentially expressed in a cell of interest. In this context, differential expression means an increased level for a positive marker and a decreased level for a negative marker. The detectable level of the marker nucleic acid or polypeptide is sufficiently higher or lower in the cells of interest compared to other cells, such that the cell of interest can be identified and distinguished from other cells using any of a variety of methods known in the art.

As used herein, a cell is “positive for” a specific marker or “positive” when the specific marker is detected in the cell. Similarly, the cell is “negative for” a specific marker, or “negative” when the specific marker is not detected in the cell.

As used herein, “stage 1” and “S1” are used interchangeably to identify cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm (DE).

“Definitive endoderm”, as used herein, refers to cells which bear the characteristics of cells arising from the epiblast during gastrulation and which form the gastrointestinal tract and its derivatives. Definitive endoderm cells express at least one of the following markers: HNF3 beta, GATA4, SOX17, CXCR4, Cerberus, OTX2, goosecoid, C-Kit, CD99, and MIXL1.

“Gut tube”, as used herein, refers to cells derived from definitive endoderm that express at least one of the following markers: HNF3-beta, HNF1-beta, or HNF4-alpha. Gut tube cells can give rise to all endodermal organs, such as lungs, liver, pancreas, stomach, and intestine.

Used herein interchangeably are “stage 2” and “S2” which identify cells expressing markers characteristic of the primitive gut tube.

“Foregut endoderm” refers to endoderm cells that give rise to esophagus, lungs, stomach, liver, pancreas, gall bladder, and a portion of the duodenum.

“Posterior foregut” refers to endoderm cells that can give rise to posterior stomach, pancreas, liver, and a portion of the duodenum.

“Mid-gut endoderm” refers to endoderm cells that can give rise to the intestines, portions of the duodenum, appendix, and ascending colon.

“Hind-gut endoderm” refers to endoderm cells that can give rise to the distal third of the transverse colon, the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectum.

Both “stage 3” and “S3” are used interchangeably to identify cells expressing markers characteristic of the foregut endoderm. “Cells expressing markers characteristic of the foregut lineage”, as used herein, refers to cells expressing at least one of the following markers: PDX-1, FOXA2, CDX2, SOX2, and HNF4 alpha.

Used interchangeably herein are “stage 4” and “S4” to identify cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic foregut precursor. “Cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic foregut precursor lineage”, as used herein, refers to cells expressing at least one of the following markers: PDX-1, NKX6.1, HNF6, FOXA2, PTF1a, Prox1 and HNF4 alpha.

As used herein, “stage 5” and “S5” are used interchangeably to identify cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm and pancreatic endocrine precursor cells. “Cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage”, as used herein, refers to cells expressing at least one of the following markers: PDX1, NKX6.1, HNF1 beta, PTF1 alpha, HNF6, HNF4 alpha, SOX9, HB9 or PROX1. Cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage do not substantially express CDX2 or SOX2.

As used herein, “stage 6” and “S6” are used interchangeably to identify cells enriched in pancreatic endocrine cells.

“Pancreatic endocrine cell”, or “Pancreatic hormone expressing cell”, or “Cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage” as used herein, refers to a cell capable of expressing at least one of the following hormones: insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, ghrelin, and pancreatic polypeptide.

“Pancreatic endocrine precursor cell” or “Pancreatic endocrine progenitor cell” refers to pancreatic endoderm cells capable of becoming a pancreatic hormone expressing cell. Such a cell can express at least one of the following markers: NGN3, NKX2.2, NeuroD, ISL-1, Pax4, Pax6, or ARX.

“Functional pancreatic beta cell” as used herein, refers to a single hormonal insulin positive cell capable of being glucose responsive and positive for PDX-1 and NKX6.1.

Used interchangeably herein are “d1”, “d 1”, and “day 1”; “d2”, “d 2”, and “day 2”; “d3”, “d 3”, and “day 3”, and so on. These number letter combinations specify the day of incubation in the different stages during the stepwise differentiation protocol of the instant application.

“Ascorbic acid” and “Vitamin C” are used interchangeably herein and relate to an essential nutrient for humans and other animal species.

“Glucose” and “D-Glucose” are used interchangeably herein and refer to dextrose, a sugar commonly found in nature.

A cell “positive” for a specific marker or which is marker “+” (i.e., PDX-1+) is a cell in which the particular marker may be detected. A cell “negative” for a specific marker or which is marker “−” (i.e., NKX6.1−) is a cell in which the marker is not detected by the methods taught in the instant specification.

In the instant application “chromogranin” and “CHGN” are used interchangeably to identify the gene endcoding the acidic secretory glycoprotein chromogranin.

Used interchangeably herein are “NeuroD” and “NeuroD 1” which identify a protein expressed in pancreatic endocrine progenitor cells and the gene encoding it.

Used interchangeably herein are “LDN” and “LDN-193189” to indicate a BMP receptor inhibitor available from Stemgent, CA, USA.

Isolation, Expansion and Culture of Pluripotent Stem Cells

Pluripotent stem cells may express one or more of the stage-specific embryonic antigens (SSEA) 3 and 4, and markers detectable using antibodies designated Tra-1-60 and Tra-1-81 (Thomson et al., Science 282:1145, 1998). Differentiation of pluripotent stem cells in vitro results in the loss of SSEA-4, Tra-1-60, and Tra-1-81 expression. Undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells typically have alkaline phosphatase activity, which can be detected by fixing the cells with 4% paraformaldehyde, and then developing with Vector Red as a substrate, as described by the manufacturer (Vector Laboratories, CA, USA). Undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells also typically express OCT4 and TERT, as detected by RT-PCR.

Another desirable phenotype of propagated pluripotent stem cells is a potential to differentiate into cells of all three germinal layers: endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm tissues. Pluripotency of stem cells can be confirmed, for example, by injecting cells into SCID mice, fixing the teratomas that form using 4% paraformaldehyde, and then examining them histologically for evidence of cell types from the three germ layers. Alternatively, pluripotency may be determined by the creation of embryoid bodies and assessing the embryoid bodies for the presence of markers associated with the three germinal layers.

Propagated pluripotent stem cell lines may be karyotyped using a standard G-banding technique and compared to published karyotypes of the corresponding primate species. It is desirable to obtain cells that have a “normal karyotype,” which means that the cells are euploid, wherein all human chromosomes are present and not noticeably altered. Pluripotent cells may be readily expanded in culture using various feeder layers or by using matrix protein coated vessels. Alternatively, chemically defined surfaces in combination with defined media such as mTesr™ 1 media (StemCell Technologies, Vancouver, Canada) may be used for routine expansion of the cells. Pluripotent cells may be readily removed from culture plates using enzymatic, mechanical or use of various calcium chelators such as EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid). Alternatively, pluripotent cells may be expanded in suspension in the absence of any matrix proteins or a feeder layer.

Sources of Pluripotent Stem Cells

The types of pluripotent stem cells that may be used include established lines of pluripotent cells derived from tissue formed after gestation, including pre-embryonic tissue (such as, for example, a blastocyst), embryonic tissue, or fetal tissue taken any time during gestation, typically but not necessarily, before approximately 10 to 12 weeks gestation. Non-limiting examples are established lines of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) or human embryonic germ cells, such as, for example the human embryonic stem cell lines H1, H7, and H9 (WiCell Research Institute, Madison, Wis., USA). Also suitable are cells taken from a pluripotent stem cell population already cultured in the absence of feeder cells. Also suitable are inducible pluripotent cells (IPS) or reprogrammed pluripotent cells that can be derived from adult somatic cells using forced expression of a number of pluripotent related transcription factors, such as OCT4, Nanog, Sox2, KLF4, and ZFP42 (Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet, 2011, 12:165-185). The human embryonic stem cells used in the methods of the invention may also be prepared as described by Thomson et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,843,780; Science, 1998, 282:1145; Curr. Top. Dev. Biol., 1998, 38:133; Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 1995: 92:7844).

Formation of Cells Expressing Markers Characteristic of the Pancreatic Endoderm Lineage from Pluripotent Stem Cells

Characteristics of pluripotent stem cells are well known to those skilled in the art, and additional characteristics of pluripotent stem cells continue to be identified. Pluripotent stem cell markers include, for example, the expression of one or more of the following: ABCG2, cripto, FOXD3, CONNEXIN43, CONNEXIN45, OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, hTERT, UTF1, ZFP42, SSEA-3, SSEA-4, Tra 1-60, Tra 1-81.

Pluripotent stem cells suitable for use in the present invention include, for example, the human embryonic stem cell line H9 (NIH code: WA09), the human embryonic stem cell line H1 (NIH code: WA01), the human embryonic stem cell line H7 (NIH code: WA07), and the human embryonic stem cell line SA002 (Cellartis, Sweden). Also suitable for use in the present invention are cells that express at least one of the following markers characteristic of pluripotent cells: ABCG2, cripto, CD9, FOXD3, CONNEXIN43, CONNEXIN45, OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, hTERT, UTF1, ZFP42, SSEA-3, SSEA-4, Tra 1-60, and Tra 1-81.

Markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage are selected from the group consisting of SOX17, GATA4, HNF3 beta, GSC, CER1, Nodal, FGF8, Brachyury, Mix-like homeobox protein, FGF4, CD48, eomesodermin (EOMES), DKK4, FGF17, GATA6, CXCR4, C-Kit, CD99, and OTX2. Suitable for use in the present invention is a cell that expresses at least one of the markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage. In one aspect of the present invention, a cell expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage is a primitive streak precursor cell. In an alternate aspect, a cell expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage is a mesendoderm cell. In an alternate aspect, a cell expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage is a definitive endoderm cell.

Markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage are selected from the group consisting of PDX1, NKX6.1, HNF1 beta, PTF1 alpha, HNF6, HNF4 alpha, SOX9, HB9 and PROX1. Suitable for use in the present invention is a cell that expresses at least one of the markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage. In one aspect of the present invention, a cell expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage is a pancreatic endoderm cell wherein the expression of PDX-1 and NKX6.1 are substantially higher than the expression of CDX2 and SOX2.

Markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage are selected from the group consisting of NGN3, NEUROD, ISL1, PDX1, NKX6.1, PAX4, ARX, NKX2.2, and PAX6. In one embodiment, a pancreatic endocrine cell is capable of expressing at least one of the following hormones: insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, and pancreatic polypeptide. Suitable for use in the present invention is a cell that expresses at least one of the markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage. In one aspect of the present invention, a cell expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage is a pancreatic endocrine cell. The pancreatic endocrine cell may be a pancreatic hormone-expressing cell. Alternatively, the pancreatic endocrine cell may be a pancreatic hormone-secreting cell.

In one aspect of the present invention, the pancreatic endocrine cell is a cell expressing markers characteristic of the β cell lineage. A cell expressing markers characteristic of the β cell lineage expresses PDX1 and at least one of the following transcription factors: NKX2.2, NKX6.1, NEUROD, ISL1, HNF3 beta, MAFA, PAX4, and PAX6. In one aspect of the present invention, a cell expressing markers characteristic of the β cell lineage is a β cell.

This invention describes an in vitro method and a cell population that can generate single hormonal insulin positive cells which are also PDX-1 and NKX6.1 positive. The method used in this invention includes a series of stages that direct, in a stepwise manner, the differentiation of human pluripotent cells to single hormonal cells through the following intermediate stages:

-   -   a) generation of definite endoderm (DE) cells from         undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells comprising culturing         pluripotent cells in medium comprising glucose, a TGF-B ligand         and a WNT activator;     -   b) differentiation of DE cells into gut tube cells comprising         culturing DE cells in medium comprising glucose, Vitamin C, and         a FGF ligand;     -   c) differentiation of gut tube cells into posterior foregut         endoderm cells expressing PDX-1 and SOX2. This differentiation         is accomplished by culturing the gut tube cells in the presence         of a shh inhibitor, a BMP inhibitor, a TGF-B ligand, a FGF         ligand, retinoic acid, vitamin C and a PKC activator;     -   d) differentiating the posterior foregut cells into pancreatic         foregut cells expressing PDX-1 and NKX6.1, and expressing lower         level of SOX2 as compared to posterior foregut cells. This         differentiation is accomplished by culturing the posterior         foregut cells in the presence of a shh inhibitor, a BMP         inhibitor, low dose of retinoic acid, vitamin C and a PKC         activator.     -   e) differentiating pancreatic foregut cells into pancreatic         endoderm cells expressing PDX-1, a higher level of NKX6.1, and a         lower level of SOX2 as compared to pancreatic foregut cells. The         differentiation is accomplished by culturing the pancreatic         foregut cells in medium supplemented with a shh inhibitor, a         TGF-B inhibitor, low dose of retinoic acid, and vitamin C; and     -   f) differentiating pancreatic endoderm cells into pancreatic         endocrine precursor cells followed by single-hormonal pancreatic         endocrine cells. The differentiation is accomplished by         culturing the pancreatic endoderm cells in medium supplemented         with a shh inhibitor, low dose of retinoic acid, and vitamin C         In an embodiment, the cells in all stages of stepwise         differentiation are cultured in a media formulation containing         less than 25 mM glucose. In some embodiments, the glucose         concentration is in the range of about 8 mM to about 20 mM         glucose.

In some embodiments, media formulations used to generate gut tube stage cells and all subsequent steps contain ascorbic acid (also known as Vitamin C). In an embodiment, the concentration of ascorbic acid is about 0.01 mM to about 1 mM. In an embodiment, the concentration of ascorbic acid is from about 0.1 mM to about 0.5 mM.

The present invention is further illustrated, but not limited, by the following examples.

Example 1 Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells of the Cell Line H1 to Pancreatic Endocrine Precursor Cells in the Absence of Fetal Bovine Serum-Modulation of BMP/TGF-B Pathways Results in Improved Production of Pancreatic Endoderm Population and Reduced Percentage of SOX2+ Population

This example was carried out to show that pancreatic endoderm cultures can be generated having very high expression levels of PDX-1 and NKX6.1 while having low level expression of CDX2 and SOX2.

Cells of the human embryonic stem cell line H1 (hESC H1) were harvested at various passages (passage 40 to passage 52) and were seeded as single cells at a density of 100,000 cells/cm² on MATRIGEL™ (1:30 dilution; BD Biosciences, NJ, USA) coated dishes in mTeSR®1 media (StemCell Technologies, Vancouver, Canada) supplemented with 10 μM of Y27632 (Rock inhibitor, Catalog #Y0503, SigmaAldrich, MO, USA). Forty-eight hours post seeding, cultures were washed and incubated in incomplete PBS (phosphate buffered saline without Mg or Ca) for approximately 30 seconds. Cultures were differentiated into pancreatic endocrine lineage as follows:

-   -   a. Stage 1 (Definitive Endoderm (DE)—3 days): Cells were         cultured for one day in stage 1 media: MCDB-131 medium (Catalog         #10372-019, Invitrogen, CA, USA) supplemented with 0.1% fatty         acid-free BSA (Catalog #68700, Proliant, IA, USA), 0.0012 g/ml         sodium bicarbonate (Catalog #S3187, SigmaAldrich, MO, USA), 1×         GLUTAMAX™ (Catalog #35050-079, Invitrogen), 5 mM D-Glucose         (Catalog#G8769, SigmaAldrich, MO, USA), containing 100 ng/ml         GDF8 (R&D Systems, MN, USA) and 1 μM MCX compound (a GSK3B         inhibitor,         14-Prop-2-en-1-yl-3,5,7,14,17,23,27-heptaazatetracyclo         [19.3.1.1˜2,6˜0.1˜8,12˜]heptacosa-1(25),2(27),3,5,8(26),9,11,21,23-nonaen-16-one,         U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/494,789; incorporated herein         by reference in its entirety). Cells were then cultured for one         day in MCDB-131 medium supplemented with 0.1% fatty acid-free         BSA, 0.0012 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 5 mM         D-Glucose, 100 ng/ml GDF8, and 100 nM MCX compound. Cells were         then cultured for one day in MCDB-131 medium to which 0.1% fatty         acid-free BSA, 0.0012 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 5         mM D-Glucose, and 100 ng/ml GDF8 had been added.     -   b. Stage 2 (Primitive gut tube—2 days): Stage 1 cells were         treated for two days with MCDB-131 medium supplemented with 0.1%         fatty acid-free BSA, 0.0012 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 1×         GLUTAMAX™, 5 mM D Glucose, and 25 ng/ml FGF7.     -   c. Stage 3 (Foregut-2 days): Stage 2 cells were cultured for one         day in Stage 3 medium: MCDB-131 medium supplemented with 1:200         dilution of ITS-X (Invitrogen), 2.5 mM Glucose, 1× GLUTAMAX™,         0.0015 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 2% fatty acid-free BSA, 25 ng/ml         FGF7, 10 ng/ml activin-A (R & D systems), 0.25 μM SANT-1 (shh         inhibitor, SigmaAldrich), 1 μM Retinoic acid (RA)         (SigmaAldrich), and 200 nM TPB (PKC activator; Catalog#565740;         EMD, NJ, USA), containing 100 nM LDN-193189 (BMP receptor         inhibitor; Catalog #04-0019; Stemgent, CA, USA). The cells were         then cultured for an additional day in the Stage 3 medium         supplement with 10 nM LDN-193189.     -   d. Stage 4 (Pancreatic foregut precursor-2 days): Stage 3 cells         were cultured for two days in MCDB-131 medium supplemented with         a 1:200 dilution of ITS-X, 2.5 mM Glucose, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 0.0015         g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 2% fatty acid-free BSA, 0.25 μM SANT-1,         50 nM RA, 200 nM TPB, and 50 nM LDN-193189.     -   e. Stage 5 (Pancreatic endoderm, 2-7 days): Stage 4 cells were         cultured for 2-7 days in MCDB-131 medium supplemented with a         1:200 dilution of ITS-X, 2.5 mM Glucose, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 0.0015         g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 2% fatty acid-free BSA, 0.25 μM SANT-1,         and 50 nM RA.

At specified stages, samples were collected and analyzed by real-time PCR, immune-histochemistry, or fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACS).

For FACS analyses, the hESC-derived cells were released into single-cell suspension by incubation in TrypLE Express (Catalog No. 12604, Invitrogen) at 37° C. for 3-5 minutes. Cells were then washed twice in staining buffer (PBS containing 0.2% fatty acid-free BSA) (Catalog No. 554657, BD Biosciences, NJ, USA). For intracellular antibody staining, cells were first incubated for 20 minutes at 4° C. with Green Fluorescent LIVE/DEAD cell dye (Invitrogen Catalog No. L23101), to allow for live/dead cell discrimination during analysis, followed by a single wash in cold PBS. Cells were fixed in 250 μl of Cytofix/Cytoperm Buffer (BD Biosciences Catalog No. 554722) for 20 minutes at 4° C. followed by two washes in BD Perm/Wash Buffer Solution (BD Biosciences Catalog No. 554723). Cells were resuspended in 100 μl staining/blocking solution consisting of Perm/Wash buffer supplemented with 2% normal serum (of the appropriate species of the secondary antibody). Cells were then incubated for 30 minutes at 4° C. with primary antibodies at empirically pre-determined dilutions followed by two washes in Perm/Wash buffer. Lastly, cells were incubated with the appropriate secondary antibodies for 30 minutes at 4° C. followed by two washes with Perm/Wash buffer prior to analyses on the BD FACS Canto II.

The following dilutions of primary antibodies were used: rabbit anti-insulin (1:100; Catalog No. C27C9; Cell Signaling, MA, USA), mouse anti-insulin (1:100; Catalog NO. ab6999, Abcam, MA, USA), mouse anti-glucagon (1:1250; Catalog No. G2654; SigmaAldrich), rabbit anti-synaptophysin (1:100; Catalog No. A0010, Dako, CA, USA), rabbit anti-chromogranin A (1:800; Dako), mouse anti-NKX6.1 (1:50; DSHB, University of Iowa, IA, USA), mouse anti-CDX2 (1:250; Invitrogen), goat anti-NeuroD (1:500; R&D Systems), mouse anti-SOX2 (BD, CA, USA), mouse anti-NKX2.2 (DSHB), mouse anti-Pax6 (BD, CA, USA), mouse anti-PDX-1 (BD, CA, USA). Secondary antibodies were used at the following dilutions: goat anti-mouse Alexa 647 (1:500; Invitrogen), goat anti-rabbit PE (1:200; Invitrogen), donkey anti-goat (1:800; Invitrogen). Samples were incubated for 30 minutes at 4° C. after addition of secondary antibodies, followed by a final wash in Perm/Wash buffer. Cells were analyzed on a BD FACS Canto II using the BD FACS Diva Software with at least 30,000 events being acquired.

FIG. 1A to FIG. 1G depict FACS histogram expression profiles of Isotype control (FIG. 1A), chromogranin (FIG. 1B), KI-67 (FIG. 1C), NKX6.1 (FIG. 1D), SOX2 (FIG. 1E), CDX2 (FIG. 1F), PDX-1 (FIG. 1G) of cells differentiated according to Example 1 and analyzed at S3 day 2. Percentage expression for each marker is shown on each histogram. At day 2 of stage 3, over 95% of the cells were positive for expression of PDX-1 (FIG. 1G), and about 60% of the cells in the population were positive for expression of SOX2 (FIG. 1E), while less than 10% of the cells were positive for expression of CDX2 (FIG. 1F) or NKX6.1 (FIG. 1D), or chromogranin (FIG. 1B). A significant percentage of cells at stage 3 were in active cell cycle as shown by high percentage of KI-67 positive cells (FIG. 1C).

FIG. 2A to FIG. 2G depict the expression profiles of Isotype control (FIG. 2A), chromogranin (FIG. 2B), KI-67 (FIG. 2C), NKX6.1 (FIG. 2D), SOX2 (FIG. 2E), CDX2 (FIG. 2F), PDX-1 (FIG. 2G), as determined by FACS staining, of cells differentiated according to Example 1, and harvested at day 2 of S4. Percentage expression for each marker is shown on each histogram. Similar to stage 3, over 95% of the cells were positive for PDX-1 expression (FIG. 2G), while about 10% of the cells were positive for CDX2 expression (FIG. 2F), and about 40% of the cells were positive for NKX6.1 expression (FIG. 2D). About 45% of the cells were positive for SOX2 expression (FIG. 2E), a drop from 60% at S3. Chromogranin expression was approximately 3% (FIG. 2B). A significant percentage of cells at stage 4 were in active cell cycle as shown by high percentage of KI-67 positive cells (FIG. 2C).

FIG. 3A to 3G depict the relative expression profiles, as determined by FACS analyses, of cells harvested at day 2 of stage 5 following the differentiation protocol outlined in this example. FIG. 3A: isotype control; FIG. 3B: chromogranin; FIG. 3C: KI-67; FIG. 3D: NKX6.1; FIG. 3E: SOX2; FIG. 3F: CDX2; FIG. 3G: PDX-1. Percentage expression for each marker is shown on each histogram. Similar to stages 3 and 4, over 95% of the cells were positive for expression of PDX-1, while approximately 10% of the cells were positive for CDX2 expression, and over 67% of the cells were positive for NKX6.1 expression. SOX2 expression, at approximately 50%, was lower when compared to stage 3, but similar to its expression at S4.

FIG. 4A to FIG. 4G depict the expression of PDX-1 (FIG. 4G), NKX6.1 (FIG. 4D), CDX2 (FIG. 4F), SOX2 (FIG. 4E), Ki-67 (proliferation marker; FIG. 4C) and chromogranin (pan endocrine marker; FIG. 4B) as measured by FACS staining of cells harvested and analyzed at day 7 of stage 5 of differentiation following the protocol outlined in this example. Similar to stages 3 and 4, >90% of the cells were positive for the expression of PDX-1, while CDX2 expression was less than 10%, and NKX6.1 expression significantly increased to >70% and SOX2 expression dramatically decreased to about 2%.

Furthermore, the majority of cells expressing SOX2, CDX2, and NKX6.1 were negative for the expression of chromogranin (see FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C). Thus, S5 cultures prepared following the protocol outlined in this example result in a population of cells where at least 50% of the cells express PDX-1 and NKX6.1 while being negative for CDX-2, SOX2, and chromogranin. Table I summarizes the percentage expression of various endoderm markers at S3-S5.

TABLE I Average Expression of Endoderm Markers at S3 through S5 % PDX- 1+ % % PDX- NKX6.1+ % PDX-1+ % 1+ and and PDX-1+ NKX6.1+ Total* PDX-1+ SOX2+ SOX2− CDX2+ SOX2+ Stage 3 7 96 60 0 <5 0 2 days Stage 4 9 97 45 ~40 <5 <5 2 days Stage 5 11 95 50 ~42 <10 <25 2 days Stage 5 16 92 <2 ~70 <5 <2 7 days *Total number of days since start of differentiation.

FIG. 6A to FIG. 6T depict mRNA expression profiles measured by real-time PCR of S2, S3, S4, and S5 cells differentiated following the protocol outlined in this example, and reported as fold change over the expression in undifferentiated H1 cells. At stage 3, there was a very low expression of anterior foregut markers such as FOXe1 (FIG. 6C) and NKX2.1 (FIG. 6E). However, at stage 3, SOX2 (FIG. 6M) and OSR1 (FIG. 6H), which mark the stomach region of the gut tube, were significantly upregulated and their expression declined at S4-S5. Pancreatic endoderm markers, such as PTF1a (FIG. 6K), NKX6.1 (FIG. 6G), and PDX-1 (FIG. 6I) reached maximal expression levels at S5 day 2 of culture. The PCR data indicate that at stage 3, the cells transition through a PDX-1+ SOX2+ population before becoming PDX-1+ NKX6.1+ SOX2− CDX2− at S4-S5. (See FIG. 6I, FIG. 6G, FIG. 6M, and FIG. 6A.) Expression of endocrine markers (chromogranin, insulin, glucagon, and somatostain) reached a maximal expression level at end of S5. Expression of pancreatic endocrine precursor markers, NKX2.2, NeuroD, and NGN3 reached a maximal expression level at S4-S5. Expression of other lineage markers, such as ZIC1 and SOX17 remained low at S4-S5.

In conclusion, cells at stage 5 day 2 which were differentiated following the protocol outlined in this example express low levels of CDX2 and SOX2 while maintaining a high expression level of NKX6.1 and PDX-1. It is believed that the unique combination of timely BMP inhibition, use of low dose RA at S4-S5, use of high glucose at S1-S2 results in the population of cells described in Example 1.

Example 2 Effect of BMP Inhibition and PKC Activation on the Expression of SOX2 at S3-S4

The protocol outlined in this example was performed to shed light on the effects of BMP inhibition, addition of FGF7 along with PKC activation on SOX2 expression at S3-S4.

Cells of the human embryonic stem cell line H1 were harvested at various passages (passage 40 to passage 52) and were seeded as single cells at a density of 100,000 cells/cm² on MATRIGEL™ (1:30 dilution) coated dishes in mTesr™1 media supplemented with 10 μM of Y27632. Forty eight hours post-seeding, cultures were differentiated into cells of the pancreatic endocrine lineage as follows:

-   -   a. Stage 1 (Definitive Endoderm (DE)—3 days): Prior to start of         DE, the cultures were washed and incubated with incomplete PBS         (no Mg or Ca) for 30 seconds followed by addition of the stage 1         media. Human embryonic stem cells cultured as single cells on         MATRIGEL™-coated dishes were treated with MCDB-131 medium         supplemented with 0.1% fatty acid-free BSA, 0.0012 g/ml sodium         bicarbonate, 1× GLUTAMAX™, and 2.5 mM D-Glucose, 100 ng/ml GDF8,         and 1.5 μM MCX compound (GSK3B inhibitor) for one day. Cells         were then treated with MCDB-131 medium supplemented with 0.1%         fatty acid-free BSA, 0.0012 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 1×         GLUTAMAX™, 2.5 mM glucose, and 100 ng/ml GDF8 for days 2-3.     -   b. Stage 2 (Primitive gut tube—3 days): Stage 1 cells were         treated with MCDB-131 medium supplemented with 0.1% fatty         acid-free BSA, 0.0012 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 2.5         mM D-Glucose, and 50 ng/ml FGF7 and for three days.     -   c. Stage 3 (Foregut—3 days): Stage 2 cells were treated with         MCDB131 medium supplemented with a 1:200 dilution of ITS-X, 2.5         mM Glucose, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 0.0015 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 2%         fatty acid-free BSA, 0.25 μM SANT-1, 20 ng/ml of activin-A, 2 μM         RA, in the presence or absence of 50 ng/ml FGF7, 50 nM or 200 nM         LDN-193189, and/or 200 nM TPB. Cells were incubated for three         days in medium using the combinations listed in Table II, below:

TABLE II Stage 3 Treatments LDN- Treatment AA FGF7 193189 SANT RA TPB 1 + + 200 nM+ + + − 2 + + − + + − 3 + − − + + − 4 + + − + + + 5 + − − + + + 6 + + 50 nM + + −

-   -   d. Stage 4 (Pancreatic foregut precursor—3 days): Stage 3 cells         were treated with MCDB131 medium supplemented with 1:200         dilution of ITS-X, 2.5 mM Glucose, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 0.0015 g/ml         sodium bicarbonate, 2% fatty acid-free BSA, 0.25 μM SANT-1, 200         nM TPB, 400 nM LDN-193189, 2 μM ALk5 inhibitor (SD-208,         disclosed in Molecular Pharmacology 2007, 72:152-161), and 100         nM CYP26A inhibitor         (N-{4-[2-Ethyl-1-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)butyl]phenyl}-1,3-benzothiazol-2-amine,         Janssen, Belgium) for three days.

mRNA was collected at S2-S4 for all the conditions listed above and analyzed using real-time PCR. Control conditions, at S3, refer to cultures where FGF7, AA, SANT, RA, and 200 nM LDN-193189 were used at the concentrations listed at step c, above. As evident by PCR data shown in FIGS. 7A to 7G, removal of LDN-193189 at S3 resulted in a significant decrease in endocrine markers, such as NGN3 (FIG. 7D), and pan-endocrine marker such as chromogranin (see FIG. 7C). Addition of the PKC activator and removal of LDN-193189 at S3 further decreased endocrine markers while enhancing expression of NKX6.1 (see FIG. 7A to FIG. 7G). Furthermore, addition of 50 nM LDN-193189 was as effective as 200 nM LDN-193189 in induction of endocrine markers (chromogranin and NGN3). Removal of LDN-193189 and addition of TPB at S3 enhanced expression of CDX2 (FIG. 7E) and albumin (FIG. 7F) while suppressing SOX2 (FIG. 7G) expression. Moreover, removal of both FGF7 and LDN-193189 significantly enhanced expression of SOX2 (FIG. 7G) and reduced expression of Albumin (FIG. 7F) as compared to cultures were LDN-193189 was removed and FGF7 was retained. These data demonstrate that precise modulation of the BMP inhibition, FGF activation, and PKC activation can result in an endoderm domain that is rich in PDX-1 and NKX6.1 while being low for CDX2, SOX2, and albumin Lastly, sustained inhibition of BMP at S3-S4 enhanced expression of proendocrine genes plus upregulation of SOX2 expression. This highlights that BMP inhibition needs to be precisely tuned to increase pancreatic endocrine genes while not upregulating SOX2 expression which is absent or low in pancreas development but present in anterior foregut endoderm organs, such as stomach.

Example 3 Early Inhibition of BMP at Foregut Stage is Required for Subsequent Induction of Endocrine Markers

This example shows that early inhibition of BMP signaling at S3 is required for subsequent induction of endocrine markers. However, sustained inhibition of BMP at stage 3 also results in strong expression of SOX2. In order to obtain both a high expression of endocrine markers along with low expression of SOX2 expression, a gradient of BMP inhibition was required to induce pro-pancreatic endocrine markers while having a low expression of SXO2 and CDX2.

Cells of the human embryonic stem cell line H1 at various passages (passage 40 to passage 52) were seeded as single cells at a density of 100,000 cells/cm² on MATRIGEL™ (1:30 dilution) coated dishes in mTesr™1 media supplemented with 10 μM of Y27632. Forty eight hours post seeding, cultures were differentiated into cells of the pancreatic endocrine lineage as follows:

-   -   a. Stage 1 (Definitive Endoderm (DE)—4 days): Prior to start of         DE, the cells were washed and incubated with incomplete PBS (no         Mg or Ca) for 30 seconds followed by incubation in S1 media.         Human embryonic stem cells cultured as single cells on         MATRIGEL™-coated dishes were treated for one day with MCDB-131         medium supplemented with 0.1% fatty acid-free BSA, 0.0012 g/ml         sodium bicarbonate, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 2.5 mM D-Glucose, 100 ng/ml         GDF8, 1.5 μM MCX compound (GSK3B inhibitor). Cells were then         treated for two days (days 2-4) with MCDB-131 medium         supplemented with 0.1% fatty acid-free BSA, 0.0012 g/ml sodium         bicarbonate, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 2.5 mM glucose, and 100 ng/ml GDF8.     -   b. Stage 2 (Primitive gut tube—3 days): Stage 1 cells were         treated for three days with MCDB-131 medium supplemented with         0.1% fatty acid-free BSA, 0.0012 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 1×         GLUTAMAX™, 2.5 mM D-Glucose, and 50 ng/ml FGF7.     -   c. Stage 3 (Foregut—3 days): Stage 2 cells were treated with         MCDB-131 medium supplemented with a 1:200 dilution of ITS-X, 2.5         mM Glucose, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 0.0015 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 2%         fatty acid-free BSA, 0.25 μM SANT-1, 20 ng/ml of Activin-A, 2 μM         RA, 50 ng/ml FGF7, 100 nM LDN-193189 (on day 1 only or for the         duration of stage 3), and 200 nM TPB. In some cultures,         LDN-193189 was removed from stage 3.     -   d. Stage 4 (Pancreatic foregut precursor—3 days): Stage 3 cells         were treated with MCDB-131 medium supplemented with a 1:200         dilution of ITS-X, 2.5 mM Glucose, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 0.0015 g/ml         sodium bicarbonate, 2% fatty acid-free BSA, 0.25 μM SANT-1, 100         nM TPB, 200 nM LDN-193189, 2 μM ALk5 inhibitor, and 100 nM         CYP26A inhibitor for three days.     -   e. Stage 5 (Pancreatic endoderm/endocrine—4 days): Stage 4 cells         were treated with MCDB-131 medium supplemented with a 1:200         dilution of ITS-X, 2.5 mM Glucose, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 0.0015 g/ml         sodium bicarbonate, 2% fatty acid-free BSA, 200 nM LDN-193189,         and 2 μM ALk5 for four days.

As evidenced by the PCR results shown in FIG. 8A to FIG. 8G, removal of LDN-193189 (BMP inhibitor) from stage 3 abolishes expression of pro-endocrine genes NGN3 (FIG. 8C); NeuroD (FIG. 8D); chromogranin (FIG. 8E) at stage 4 and stage 5. However, expression of PDX-1 (FIG. 8B) and NKX6.1 (FIG. 8A) are not significantly downregulated as compared to NGN3 and NeuroD at stages 4-5. Furthermore, complete removal of LDN-193189 at stage 3 results in a significant increase in CDX2 expression (FIG. 7F). Addition of LDN-193189 for the first day of stage 3 followed by its removal at days 2-3 of stage 3 significantly boosted expression of NGN3 and NeuroD while decreasing CDX2 and SOX2 expression at stage 4. Cultures where LDN-193189 was retained for the duration of stage 3 showed a very high expression of SOX2 (FIG. 8G) at S3-S4. This data shows that BMP inhibition on day 1 of stage 3 is sufficient to trigger pancreatic endocrine markers while suppressing SOX2 and CDX2 expression.

In summary, BMP inhibition is required at day 1 of stage 3 to induce formation of endocrine precursor cells at stages 4-5 and to maintain expression of PDX-1 and NKX6.1 while suppressing SOX2 expression. Furthermore, addition of a PKC activator at stages 3 further enhanced expression of PDX-1 and NKX6.1.

Example 4 Inhibition of BMP Signaling at Day 1 of Stage 3 is Sufficient to Generate Pancreatic Precursor Cells at Stage 4, while Inhibition of BMP Signaling on Last Day of Stage 3 Results in Significantly Lower Expression of Endocrine Markers

This example shows that early inhibition of BMP signaling at stage 3 allows for induction of pancreatic endocrine precursor markers while inhibition of BMP signaling late at stage 3 significantly lowers expression level of endocrine precursor markers at stag4.

Cells of the human embryonic stem cells line H1 at various passages (passage 40 to passage 52) were seeded as single cells at a density of 100,000 cells/cm² on MATRIGEL™ (1:30 dilution) coated dishes in mTesr™1 media supplemented with 10 μM of Y27632. Forty eight hours post seeding, cultures were differentiated into cells of the pancreatic endocrine lineage as follows:

-   -   a. Stage 1 (Definitive Endoderm (DE)—4 days): Prior to start of         DE, the cultures were washed and incubated with incomplete PBS         (no Mg or Ca) for 30 seconds followed by addition of the stage 1         media. Human embryonic stem cells cultured as single cells on         MATRIGEL™-coated dishes were treated for one day with MCDB-131         medium supplemented with 0.1% fatty acid-free BSA, 0.0012 g/ml         sodium bicarbonate, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 2.5 mM D-Glucose, 100 ng/ml         GDF8 and 1.5 μM MCX compound (GSK3B inhibitor). Cells were then         treated for three days with MCDB-131 medium supplemented with         0.1% fatty acid-free BSA, 0.0012 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 1×         GLUTAMAX™, 2.5 mM glucose, and 100 ng/ml GDF8.     -   b. Stage 2 (Primitive gut tube—3 days): Stage 1 cells were         treated for three days with MCDB-131 supplemented with 0.1%         fatty acid-free BSA, 0.0012 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 1×         GLUTAMAX™, 2.5 mM D-Glucose, and 50 ng/ml FGF7.     -   c. Stage 3 (Foregut—3 days): Stage 2 cells were treated with         MCDB-131 medium supplemented with a 1:200 dilution of ITS-X, 2.5         mM Glucose, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 0.0015 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 2%         fatty acid-free BSA, 0.25 μM SANT-1, 50 ng/ml FGF7, 2 μM RA and         the combinations listed in Table III, below for three days.

TABLE III Stage 3 Treatments 20 ng/ml 1 μM Alk5 inhibitor AA LDN-193189 (SCIO compound) TPB A S3D1 + − − +200 nM D2-3 + − − +200 nM B D1 − +100 nM +1 μM − D2-3 + − − +200 nM C D1 − +100 nM +1 μM +100 nM D2-3 + − − +200 nM D D1 − +100 nM +1 μM +200 nM D2-3 + − − +200 nM E D1 + − − +100 nM D2-3 + +100 nM (on − +100 nM day 3 only)

-   -   d. Stage 4 (Pancreatic foregut precursor—3 days): Stage 3 cells         were treated with MCDB-131 medium supplemented with a 1:200         dilution of ITS-X, 2.5 mM Glucose, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 0.0015 g/ml         sodium bicarbonate, 2% fatty acid-free BSA, 0.25 μM SANT-1, 100         nM TPB, 200 nM LDN-193189, 2 μM ALk5 inhibitor, and 100 nM         CYP26A inhibitor for three days.

FIG. 9A to FIG. 9H depict the gene expression profile of pancreatic endoderm, endocrine precursor, and foregut endoderm markers for the combinations of culture conditions listed above. Consistent with previous example, blocking of BMP pathway on the first day of stage 3 is critical for the subsequent induction of the endocrine program as measured by expression of the pan-endocrine marker, chromogranin. (See FIG. 9C.) However, addition of the BMP inhibitor at day one of stage 3 triggers expression of endocrine markers at subsequent stages. Furthermore, addition of the BMP inhibitor at day one of stage 3 also decreased expression of foregut marker, SOX2, at stages 3-4 (FIG. 9H). However, addition of BMP inhibitor only at last day of stage 3 shows significantly higher expression of SOX2 at end of stage 3 as compared to cells treated with the BMP inhibitor only on the first day of stage 3. The expression levels shown in FIG. 9A to FIG. 9H are relative to the expression levels in undifferentiated H1 cells which have a very high expression level of SOX2. Besides being a marker of anterior foregut, SOX2 is a well-known transcription factor important in maintenance of pluripotency of ES cells. This example further supports previous results highlighting the sensitivity of stage 3 cultures to the duration and kinetics of BMP signaling and subsequent impact on pancreatic endocrine induction and expression of SOX2.

Example 5 Optimal Dose of BMP Inhibition at Pancreatic Foregut Stage (Stage 4)

Previous examples described the optimal duration of BMP inhibition at stage 3. This example identifies the optimal dose of BMP inhibitor at S4 media.

Cells of the human embryonic stem cell line H1 at various passages (passage 40 to passage 52) were seeded as single cells at a density of 100,000 cells/cm² on MATRIGEL™ (1:30 dilution) coated dishes in mTesr™1 media and 10 μM of Y27632. Forty eight hours post seeding, cultures were differentiated into pancreatic endocrine lineage as follows:

-   -   a. Stage 1 (Definitive Endoderm (DE)—4 days): Prior to start of         DE, the cultures were washed and incubated with incomplete PBS         (no Mg or Ca) for 30 seconds followed by addition of the stage 1         media. Human embryonic stem cells cultured as single cells on         MATRIGEL™-coated dishes were treated with MCDB-131 medium         supplemented with 0.1% fatty acid-free BSA, 0.0012 g/ml sodium         bicarbonate, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 2.5 mM D-Glucose, 100 ng/ml GDF8, and         1 μM MCX compound (GSK3B inhibitor) for one day. Cells were then         treated with MCDB-131 medium supplemented with 0.1% fatty         acid-free BSA, 0.0012 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 2.5         mM glucose, and 100 ng/ml GDF8 for days 2-4.     -   b. Stage 2 (Primitive gut tube—3 days): Stage 1 cells were         treated with MCDB-131 medium supplemented with 0.1% fatty         acid-free BSA, 0.0012 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 2.5         mM D-Glucose, and 50 ng/ml FGF7 for three days.     -   c. Stage 3 (Foregut—4 days): Stage 2 cells were treated with         MCDB-131 medium supplemented with a 1:200 dilution of ITS-X, 2.5         mM, Glucose, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 0.0015 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 2%         fatty acid-free BSA, 0.25 μM SANT-1, 50 ng/ml FGF7, 2 μM RA, 20         ng/ml of Activin-A, 100 nM LDN-193189, and 100 nM TPB for one         day. Cells were then cultured in MCDB-131 medium supplemented         with a 1:200 dilution of ITS-X, 2.5 mM, Glucose, 1× GLUTAMAX™,         0.0015 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 2% fatty acid-free BSA, 0.25 μM         SANT-1, 50 ng/ml FGF7, 2 μM RA, 20 ng/ml of Activin-A, and 100         nM TPB for three days.     -   d. Stage 4 (Pancreatic foregut precursor—4 days): Stage 3 cells         were treated with MCDB-131 medium supplemented with a 1:200         dilution of ITS-X, 2.5 mM Glucose, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 0.0015 g/ml         sodium bicarbonate, 2% fatty acid-free BSA, 200 nM         LDN-193189-193189, 2 μM ALk5 inhibitor, 100 nM CYP26A inhibitor,         and the concentrations of LDN-193189 listed on Table IV (below)         for days 1-4 of stage 4:

TABLE IV Concentrations of LDN-193189 Used at S4 Condition Condition Condition Condition Condition A B C D E S4D1 100 nM  50 nM 10 nM 10 nM 10 nM S4D2 50 nM 10 nM 50 nM 10 nM 10 nM S4D3 10 nM 10 nM 100 nM 50 nM 10 nM S4D4 10 nM 10 nM 100 nM 50 nM 10 nM

-   -   d. Stage 5 (Pancreatic endoderm/endocrine precursor-3 days):         Stage 4 cells were treated with MCDB-131 medium supplemented         with a 1:200 dilution of ITS-X, 2.5 mM Glucose, 1× GLUTAMAX™,         0.0015 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 2% fatty acid-free BSA, 50 nM         LDN-193189, and 1 μM ALk5 inhibitor for three days.

The results of real-time PCR analyses of cells harvested after the treatments above are shown in FIG. 10A to FIG. 10H. This figure shows that addition of 50 nM or 100 nM of LDN-193189 at days 1, 2, 3, or 4 of S4 can prolong the expression of endocrine markers while maintaining a low expression of SOX2 at S4-S5. (See FIG. 10A to FIG. 10H.)

Example 6 Optimal Dose of BMP Inhibition at Foregut Stage (Stage 3)

This example identifies the optimal dose of BMP inhibition at stage 3 and subsequent effects on endocrine markers at stage 6.

Cells of the human embryonic stem cell line H1 at various passages (passage 40 to passage 52) were seeded as single cells at a density of 100,000 cells/cm² on MATRIGEL™ (1:30 dilution) coated dishes in mTesr™1 media supplemented with 10 μM of Y27632. Forty eight hours post seeding, cultures were differentiated into cells of the pancreatic endocrine lineage as follows:

-   -   a. Stage 1 (Definitive Endoderm (DE)—4 days): Prior to start of         DE, the cultures were washed and incubated with incomplete PBS         (no Mg or Ca) for 30 seconds followed by addition of the stage 1         media. Human embryonic stem cells cultured as single cells on         MATRIGEL™-coated dishes were treated with MCDB-131 medium         supplemented with 0.1% fatty acid-free BSA, 0.0012 g/ml sodium         bicarbonate, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 2.5 mM D-Glucose, 100 ng/ml GDF8, and         1.5 μM MCX compound (GSK3B inhibitor) for one day. Cells were         then treated with MCDB-131 medium supplemented with 0.1% fatty         acid-free BSA, 0.0012 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 2.5         mM glucose, and 100 ng/ml GDF8 for days 2-4.     -   b. Stage 2 (Primitive gut tube—3 days): Stage 1 cells were         treated with MCDB-131 medium supplemented with 0.1% fatty         acid-free BSA, 0.0012 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 2.5         mM D-Glucose, and 50 ng/ml FGF7 for three days.     -   c. Stage 3 (Foregut—3 days): Stage 3 cells were treated with         MCDB-131 medium supplemented with a 1:200 dilution of ITS-X, 2.5         mM Glucose, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 0.0015 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 2%         fatty acid-free BSA, 0.25 μM SANT-1, 50 ng/ml FGF7, 2 μM RA, 20         ng/ml Activin-A, 100 nM TPB, and 10-50 nM LDN-193189 for one         day. Cells were then treated with MCDB-131 medium supplemented         with a 1:200 dilution of ITS-X, 2.5 mM Glucose, 1× GLUTAMAX™,         0.0015 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 2% fatty acid-free BSA, 0.25 μM         SANT-1, 50 ng/ml FGF7, 2 μM RA, 20 ng/ml Activin-A, and 100 nM         TPB for two days.     -   d. Stage 4 (Pancreatic foregut precursor—3 days): Stage 3 cells         were treated with MCDB-131 medium supplemented with a 1:200         dilution of ITS-X, 2.5 mM Glucose, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 0.0015 g/ml         sodium bicarbonate, 2% fatty acid-free BSA, 20 nM LDN-193189; 2         μM ALk5 inhibitor; 100 nM CYP26 A inhibitor, and 100 nM TPB for         three days.     -   e. Stage 5 (Pancreatic endoderm/endocrine precursor-3 days):         Stage 4 cells were treated with MCDB-131 medium supplemented         with a 1:200 dilution of ITS-X; 2.5 mM Glucose; 1× GLUTAMAX™;         0.0015 g/ml sodium bicarbonate; 2% fatty acid-free BSA; +/−25 nM         LDN-193189 and/or 2 μM ALk5 inhibitor for three days.     -   f. Stage 6 (Pancreatic endocrine hormone producing-3 days):         Stage 5 cells were treated with MCDB-131 medium supplemented         with a 1:200 dilution of ITS-X; 2.5 mM Glucose; 1× GLUTAMAX™;         0.0015 g/ml sodium bicarbonate; and 2% fatty acid-free BSA for         three days.

FIG. 11A to FIG. 11H show that a low to moderate inhibition of BMP on the first day of stage 3 is required to trigger expression of endocrine markers while maintaining a low expression of SOX2. Furthermore, BMP inhibition at stage 5 while enhancing endocrine markers also led to upregulation of SOX2 expression.

The data in this Example further confirms the results presented in the previous examples. The data confirms that a precise modulation of the BMP pathway at stages 3-5 is required to trigger induction of pancreatic endocrine markers while suppressing SOX2 expression.

Example 7 Optimal Window for BMP Inhibition at S3 Foregut Stage

This example identifies the optimal window of time at stage 3 for inhibition of BMP signaling while preserving endocrine induction at later stages and lowering expression fo SOX2.

Cells of the human embryonic stem cells line H1 at various passages (Passage 40 to passage 52) were seeded as single cells at a density of 100,000 cells/cm² on MATRIGEL™ (1:30 dilution) coated dishes in mTesr™1 media and 10 μM Y27632. Forty eight hours post seeding, cultures were differentiated into pancreatic endocrine lineage as follows:

-   -   a. Stage 1 (Definitive Endoderm (DE)—4 days): Prior to start of         DE, the cultures were washed and incubated with incomplete PBS         (no Mg or Ca) for 30 seconds followed by addition of the stage 1         media. Human embryonic stem cells cultured as single cells on         MATRIGEL™-coated dishes were treated with MCDB-131 medium         supplemented with 0.1% fatty acid-free BSA, 0.0012 g/ml sodium         bicarbonate, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 2.5 mM D-Glucose, 100 ng/ml GDF8 and         1.5 μM MCX compound for one day. Cells were then treated with         MCDB-131 medium supplemented with 0.1% fatty acid-free BSA,         0.0012 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 2.5 mM glucose,         and 100 ng/ml GDF8 for days 2-4.     -   b. Stage 2 (Primitive gut tube—3 days): Stage 1 cells were         treated with MCDB-131 medium supplemented with 0.1% fatty         acid-free BSA, 0.0012 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 2.5         mM D-Glucose, and 50 ng/ml FGF7 for three days.     -   c. Stage 3 (Foregut—3 days): Stage 2 cells were treated with         MCDB-131 medium supplemented with a 1:200 dilution of ITS-X, 2.5         mM Glucose, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 0.0015 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 2%         fatty acid-free BSA, 0.25 μM SANT-1, 50 ng/ml FGF7, 2 μM RA, 20         ng/ml Activin-A, and 100 nM TPB, containing 100 nM LDN-193189         for only the first 2 hours, 6 hours, or 24 hours of stage 3.     -   d. Stage 4 (Pancreatic foregut precursor—3 days): Stage 3 cells         were treated with MCDB-131 medium supplemented with a 1:200         dilution of ITS-X, 2.5 mM Glucose, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 0.0015 g/ml         sodium bicarbonate, 2% fatty acid-free BSA, 25 nM LDN-193189, 2         μM ALk5 inhibitor, 100 nM CYP26 A inhibitor, and 100 nM TPB for         three days.     -   e. Stage 5 (Pancreatic endoderm/endocrine precursor-3 days):         Stage 4 cells were treated with MCDB-131 medium supplemented         with a 1:200 dilution of ITS-X, 2.5 mM Glucose, 1× GLUTAMAX™,         0.0015 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 2% fatty acid-free BSA, and 2 μM         ALk5 inhibitor for three days.

FIG. 12A to FIG. 12G show the real time PCR analyses for data gathered in this example. Treatment at stage 3 for at least 2 hours with a BMP inhibitor can trigger expression of pro-endocrine transcription factors such as Ngn3 (FIG. 12D) and NeuroD (FIG. 12E) while maintaining a very low expression of SOX2 (FIG. 12G) and significantly increases expression of NKX6.1 (FIG. 12A) and PDX-1 (FIG. 12B) at S4-S5. However, at stage 5 day 3 CDX2 expression was higher in cells treated for 2 or 6 hours with BMP inhibitor than in cells treated for 24 hours with the inhibitor (FIG. 12F).

The data from this Example suggests that a 24 hour inhibition of the BMP pathway is optimal for maintaining a low level of CDX2 expression and SOX2 expression, and to initiate endocrine differentiation while maintaining a high expression of pancreatic endoderm markers.

Example 8 Optimal Duration of Stages 3 (Foregut Stage) and Stage 4 Pancreatic Foregut Precursor Stage

This example was carried out to determine the optimal duration of S3 and S4 in the stepwise differentiation of pluripotent cells to a population of cells of pancreatic endocrine lineage.

Cells of the human embryonic stem cells line H1 at various passages (passage 40 to passage 52) were seeded as single cells at a density of 100,000 cells/cm² on MATRIGEL™ (1:30 dilution)-coated dishes in mTesr™1 media supplemented with 10 μM Y27632. Forty eight hours post seeding, cultures were differentiated into pancreatic endocrine lineage as follows:

-   -   a. Stage 1 (Definitive Endoderm (DE)—4 days): Prior to start of         DE, the cultures were washed and incubated with incomplete PBS         (no Mg or Ca) for 30 seconds followed by addition of the stage 1         media. Human embryonic stem cells cultured as single cells on         MATRIGEL™-coated dishes were treated with MCDB-131 medium         supplemented with 0.1% fatty acid-free BSA, 0.0012 g/ml sodium         bicarbonate, 1× GLUTAMAX™; 2.5 mM D-Glucose; 100 ng/ml GDF8 and         1.5 μM MCX compound (GSK3B inhibitor) for one day. Cells were         then treated with MCDB-131 medium supplemented with 0.1% fatty         acid-free BSA; 0.0012 g/ml sodium bicarbonate; 1× GLUTAMAX™; 2.5         mM glucose, and 100 ng/ml GDF8 for days 2-4; then     -   b. Stage 2 (Primitive gut tube—2 days): Stage 1 cells were         treated with MCDB-131 medium supplemented with 0.1% fatty         acid-free BSA, 0.0012 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 2.5         mM D-Glucose, and 50 ng/ml FGF7 for two days.     -   c. Stage 3 (Foregut—2-3 days): Stage 2 cells were treated with         MCDB-131 medium supplemented with a 1:200 dilution of ITS-X, 2.5         mM Glucose, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 0.0015 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 2%         fatty acid-free BSA, 0.25 μM SANT-1, 50 ng/ml FGF7, 2 μM RA, 20         ng/ml Activin-A, and 100 nM TPB, containing 100 nM LDN-193189         for one day. Cells were then treated with MCDB-131 medium         supplemented with a 1:200 dilution of ITS-X, 2.5 mM Glucose, 1×         GLUTAMAX™, 0.0015 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 2% fatty acid-free         BSA, 0.25 μM SANT-1, 50 ng/ml FGF7, 2 μM RA, 20 ng/ml Activin-A,         and 100 nM TPB.     -   d. Stage 4 (Pancreatic foregut precursor—2-3 days): Stage 3         cells were treated with MCDB-131 medium supplemented with a         1:200 dilution of ITS-X, 2.5 mM Glucose, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 0.0015         g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 2% fatty acid-free BSA, 25 nM         LDN-193189, 100 nM CYP26 A inhibitor, and 100 nM TPB for two or         three days.     -   e. Stage 5 (Pancreatic endoderm/endocrine precursor-2 days):         Stage 4 cells were treated with MCDB-131 medium supplemented         with a 1:200 dilution of ITS-X, 2.5 mM Glucose, 1× GLUTAMAX™,         0.0015 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 2% fatty acid-free BSA, and 1 μM         ALk5 inhibitor for two days.     -   f. Stage 6 (Pancreatic endocrine precursor/hormone-2 days):         Stage 5 cells were treated with MCDB-131 medium supplemented         with a 1:200 dilution of ITS-X, 2.5 mM Glucose, 1× GLUTAMAX™,         0.0015 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, and 2% fatty acid-free BSA for         two days.

Data from real time PCR analyses of samples harvested at stage 3, stage 4, stage 5, or stage 6 is shown in FIG. 13A to FIG. 13G. This data shows that extending S3 and S4 to three days enhances expression of NKX6.1, when compared with cultures having a two day S3 and S4 (FIG. 13A). Cells treated for three days at stage 3 show down-regulation of the expression of pro-endocrine markers when compared to cultures where duration of S3 and S4 were only two days (FIG. 13D and FIG. 13E). Furthermore, prolonging stage 4 to three days did significantly enhance expression of SOX2 (FIG. 13G).

The data obtained in this Example is consistent with data generated in the previous examples in showing that prolonged BMP inhibition biases the foregut towards a population high in SOX2. Based on the data from this example and the previous examples, one may conclude that the optimal duration of stage 3 and stage 4 is two days. The ideal protocol will result in differentiated cells with high levels of expression of pro-endocrine markers, high NKX6.1, low CDX2 and low SOX2 expression.

Example 9 Prolonged Exposure to BMP Inhibition in the Presence of High Glucose and B27 Supplement Significantly Increases SOX2 Expression at S3 and S4

This protocol was performed to determine the factors that affect SOX2 expression at S3 and S4 during the stepwise differentiation of pluripotent cells into hormone producing cells.

Cells of the human embryonic stem cells line H1 were cultured on MATRIGEL™ (1:30 dilution)-coated dishes and cultured in mTesr™1 media until ˜70% confluence and differentiated as follows:

-   -   a. Undifferentiated cells were cultured in RPMI medium         (Invitrogen) supplemented with 0.2% FBS; 100 ng/ml activin A; 20         ng/ml WNT-3a for one day. Cells were then treated with RPMI         medium supplemented with 0.5% FBS; 100 ng/ml activin A for an         additional two days (Stage 1).     -   b. Stage 1 cells were treated with DMEM/F12 medium supplemented         with 2% FBS; 50 ng/ml FGF7 for three days (Stage 2).     -   c. Stage 2 cells were cultured in DMEM-High glucose medium         supplemented with 1% B27; 0.25 μM SANT-1; 2 μM RA; 100 ng/ml         Noggin (R & D systems, MN, USA) for four days (Stage 3).     -   d. Stage 3 cells were treated with DMEM-High glucose medium         supplemented with 1% B27; 100 ng/ml Noggin; 1 μM ALK5 inhibitor         II (Axxora, CA, USA); and 50 nM TPB for four days (Stage 4).

FIG. 14A to FIG. 14H depict FACS histograms for cells harvested at stage 3 day 4 obtained for the following markers: Isotype control (FIG. 14A), chromogranin (FIG. 14B), KI-67 (FIG. 14C), NKX6.1 (FIG. 14D), SOX2 (FIG. 14E), HNF3B (FIG. 14F), CDX2 (FIG. 14G), PDX-1 (FIG. 14H). Percentage expression for each marker is shown on each histogram. The majority of the cells at stage 3 were positive for expression of PDX-1 (FIG. 14H), and HNF3B (FIG. 14F), negative for expression of NKX6.1 (FIG. 14D), and showed low expression of chromogranin (FIG. 14B), and CDX2 (FIG. 14G). However, over 90% of the cells were also strongly positive for SOX2 (FIG. 14E). This indicates that at stage 3, the majority of cells were positive for PDX-1 and SOX2 and negative for NKX6.1 suggesting establishment of an endoderm population consistent with a foregut population anterior to the PDX-1 domain of pancreas.

Furthermore, the percentage of cells which were SOX2+ at stage 3, in the population of cells generated using the protocol outlined in this example, was significantly higher than the percentage of cells that were SOX2+ in the population of cells generated using the protocol outlined in Example 1. This difference can be attributed to the prolonged exposure to the BMP antagonist Noggin, lack of FGF7 and PKC activator in the culture medium at stage 3 of this example.

FIG. 15A through FIG. 15G show FACS histogram expression profiles of the following markers at S4 day 2 of cells differentiated according to Example 9: FIG. 15A: Isotype control, FIG. 15B: NKX6.1, FIG. 15C: KI-67, FIG. 15D: chromogranin, FIG. 15E: SOX2, FIG. 15F: CDX2, FIG. 15G: PDX-1. Percentage expression for each marker is shown on each histogram.

FIG. 16A to FIG. 16F show FACS histogram expression profiles of the following markers at S4 day 4 of cells differentiated according to Example 9. FIG. 16A: Isotype control, FIG. 16B: NKX6.1, FIG. 16C: chromogranin, FIG. 16D: SOX2, FIG. 16E: CDX2, FIG. 16F: PDX-1. Percentage expression for each marker is shown on each histogram.

Table V, below, summarizes the data obtained for the % expression of endoderm markers at S3 and S4 for cells differentiated according to the protocol outlined in this example.

TABLE V % Expression of Endoderm Markers at S3-S4 Total number of days since % PDX- % PDX-1+ % PDX- % PDX-1+ Stage start of % PDX- 1+ NKX6.1+ 1+ NKX6.1+ (Days) differentiation 1+ SOX2+ SOX2− CDX2+ SOX2+ Stage 3 10 days 95 92 <1 <5 <1 4 days Stage 4 12 days 85 83 <1 ~6 ~30 2 days Stage 4 14 days 95 75 <5 ~7 ~50 4 days

FIG. 17A to FIG. 17J depict the results of real-time PCR analyses of the expression of the following genes in cells of the human embryonic stem cell line H1 differentiated according to the Example 9. FIG. 17A: CDX2, FIG. 17B: HHex, FIG. 17C: FOXE1, FIG. 17D: IPF1 (PDX-1), FIG. 17E: NKX2.1, FIG. 17F: NKX2.2, FIG. 17G: NKX6.1, FIG. 17H: PROX1, FIG. 17I: SOX2, FIG. 17J: SOX9.

As seen in FIGS. 14 to 17 and in Table V, at days 2-4 of stage 4, there was a significant increase in expression of NKX6.1 while maintaining a high expression of PDX-1. Although, expression of SOX2 dropped from stage 3 to stage 4, ˜75% of cells were still SOX2+. Same as in FIG. 5, CDX2+ cells, SOX2+ cells, and NKX6.1+ cells were mutually exclusive from chromogranin population. This implies that the population of stage 4 day 4 cells generated using the protocol outlined in Example 9 has ˜50% NKX6.1+ SOX2+ PDX-1+ CDX2− chromogranin negative fraction. This is in contrast to the cell population generated in Example 1 which had 40-70% PDX-1+ NKX6.1+ SOX2−, CDX2−, chromogranin negative fraction and 2-25% PDX-1+ NKX6.1+ SOX2+ at S4-S5. Clearly, cells generated using the protocol in Example 1 had far higher percentage of pancreatic endoderm, as defined as a population that is PDX-1+ and NXK6.1+ while being low or negative for SOX2 and CDX2, as compared to cells generated in Example 9.

The data obtained in this Example provides support that prolonged exposure to BMP inhibition in the presence of high glucose and B27 supplement significantly increases expression of SOX2 at stages 3 and 4 of differentiation.

Example 10 Previously Published Protocol Results in Formation of Significant Number of SOX2+ Population at the Stages 3-4

Kroon et al. have published a protocol for preparing cells of the pancreatic endoderm lineage from human embryonic stem cells (Nature Biotech 2008, 26: 443-452; hereinafter “Kroon”). In the Example provided here, human embryonic stem cells were differentiated following the Kroon protocol and assayed for expression of markers characteristic of the different stages of differentiation.

Cells of the human embryonic stem cells line H1 were plated on MATRIGEL™ (1:30 dilution)-coated dishes and cultured in mTesr™1 media until ˜70% confluence and differentiated using the protocol previously published by Kroon as follows:

-   -   a) Undifferentiated cells were exposed to RPMI medium         supplemented with 0.2% FBS, 100 ng/ml activin A, 20 ng/ml WNT-3a         for one day followed by treatment with RPMI medium supplemented         with 0.5% FBS, 100 ng/ml activin A for an additional two days         (Stage 1).     -   b) Stage 1 cells were exposed to RPMI medium supplemented with         2% FBS, 50 ng/ml FGF7 for three days (Stage 2).     -   c) Stage 2 cells were treated with DMEM-High glucose medium         supplemented with 1% B27, 0.25 μM SANT-1, 2 μM RA, 50 ng/ml of         Noggin (R & D systems, MN) for three days (Stage 3).     -   d) Stage 3 cells were cultured in DMEM-High glucose medium         supplemented with 1% B27 for three days (Stage 4).     -   e) Stage 4 cells were scraped from the wells and resuspended as         clusters in DMEM-High glucose medium supplemented with 1% B27         for two days.

FIG. 18A to FIG. 18G show FACS histogram expression profiles of the following markers at S3 day 3 of cells differentiated according to Example 10: Isotype control (FIG. 18A), NKX6.1 (FIG. 18B), chromogranin (FIG. 18C), SOX2 (FIG. 18D), CDX2 (FIG. 18E), KI-67 (FIG. 18F), PDX-1 (FIG. 18G). Percentage expression for each marker is shown on each histogram.

FIG. 19A to FIG. 19G show FACS histogram expression profiles of the following markers at S4 day 5 of cells differentiated according to Example 10. Isotype control (FIG. 19A), NKX6.1 (FIG. 19B), chromogranin (FIG. 19C), SOX2 (FIG. 19D), CDX2 (FIG. 19E), KI-67 (FIG. 19F), PDX-1 (FIG. 19G). Percentage expression for each marker is shown on each histogram

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, by the end of stage 4 (day 5) the clusters of cells in suspension were ˜20% NKX6.1+ PDX-1+ SOX2− and ˜20% PDX-1+ NKX6.1+ SOX2+. These results indicate that a significant fraction of the population of cells at stage 4 generated according to Example 10 that were NKX6.1+ were also SOX2+.

Table VI, shown below, summarizes the percentages of endoderm markers at S3-S4 of cells generated in this example.

TABLE VI Expression of Endoderm Markers at S3-S4 in Cells Differentiated According to Kroon Total number of days since % PDX- % PDX-1+ % PDX- % PDX-1+ Stage start of % PDX- 1+ NKX6.1+ 1+ NKX6.1+ (days) differentiation 1+ SOX2+ SOX2− CDX2+ SOX2+ Stage 3  9 days 75 75 <1 <2 <1 3 days Stage 4 14 days 89 52 ~20 ~10 ~20 5 days* *Last two days in suspension culture.

Example 11 Addition of Ascorbic Acid Results in Significant Decrease in the Number of Polyhormonal Cells and a Concomitant Increase in the Number of Single Hormonal Insulin Positive Cells

The effect of ascorbic acid on the expression of markers during differentiation of pluripotent cells to hormone producing cells was tested. Cells were cultured in medium supplemented with glucose at every step of differentiation and supplemented with ascorbic acid at the formation of stages 3, 4, and 5 as follows:

Cells of the human embryonic stem cell line H1 at various passages (passage 40 to passage 52) were seeded as single cells at a density of 100,000 cells/cm² on MATRIGEL™ (1:30 dilution) coated dishes in mTesr™1 media and 10 μM of Y27632. Forty eight hours post seeding, cultures were differentiated into pancreatic endocrine lineage as follows:

-   -   a. Stage 1 (Definitive Endoderm (DE)—3 days): Prior to start of         DE, the cultures were washed and incubated with incomplete PBS         (no Mg or Ca) for 30 seconds followed by addition of the stage 1         media. Human embryonic stem cells cultured as single cells on         MATRIGEL™-coated dishes were treated with MCDB-131 medium         supplemented with 0.1% fatty acid-free BSA, 0.0012 g/ml sodium         bicarbonate, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 5 mM D-Glucose, 100 ng/ml GDF8, and 1         μM MCX compound (GSK3B inhibitor) for one day. Cells were then         treated with MCDB-131 medium supplemented with 0.1% fatty         acid-free BSA, 0.0012 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 5         mM glucose, 100 ng/ml GDF8, and 100 nM MCX compound for day two,         followed by an additional day in MCDB-131 medium supplemented         with 0.1% fatty acid-free BSA, 0.0012 g/ml sodium bicarbonate,         1× GLUTAMAX™, 5 mM Glucose, and 100 ng/ml GDF8.     -   b. Stage 2 (Primitive gut tube—2 days): Stage 1 cells were         treated with MCDB-131 medium supplemented with 0.1% fatty         acid-free BSA, 0.0012 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 5         mM D-Glucose, and 25 ng/ml FGF7 for two days.     -   c. Stage 3 (Foregut-2 days): Stage 2 cells were treated with         MCDB-131 medium supplemented with 1:200 dilution of ITS-X, 2.5         mM Glucose, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 0.0015 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 2%         fatty acid-free BSA, 10 ng/ml Activin A, 25 ng/ml FGF7, 0.25 μM         SANT-1, 1 μM RA, 200 nM TPB (PKC activator), 100 nM LDN-193189         (BMP receptor inhibitor) for one day. Cells were then treated         with MCDB-131 medium supplemented with 1:200 dilution of ITS-X,         2.5 mM Glucose, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 0.0015 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 2%         fatty acid-free BSA, 10 ng/ml Activin A, 25 ng/ml FGF7, 0.25 μM         SANT-1, 1 μM RA, 200 nM TPB (PKC activator), 10 nM LDN-193189         for an additional day. Some cultures were treated with 0.25 mM         ascorbic acid (Catalog #A4544, Sigma, MO, USA) for the duration         of stage 3.     -   d. Stage 4 (Pancreatic foregut precursor-2 days): Stage 3 cells         were treated with MCDB-131 medium supplemented with 1:200         dilution of ITS-X, 2.5 mM Glucose, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 0.0015 g/ml         sodium bicarbonate, 2% fatty acid-free BSA, 0.25 μM SANT-1, 50         nM RA, 200 nM TPB, 50 nM LDN-193189, with or without 0.25 mM         ascorbic acid for two days.     -   e. Stage 5 (Pancreatic endoderm, 2-7 days): Stage 4 cells were         treated with MCDB-131 medium supplemented with a 1:200 dilution         of ITS-X, 2.5 mM Glucose, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 0.0015 g/ml sodium         bicarbonate, 2% fatty acid-free BSA, 0.25 μM SANT-1, 50 nM RA,         with or without 0.25 mM ascorbic acid for 2-7 days.

FIG. 20A to FIG. 20J depict real-time PCR analyses of the expression of the following genes in cells of the human embryonic stem cell line H1 differentiated according to the Example 11. FIG. 20A: somatostatin, FIG. 20B: PDX1, FIG. 20C: Pax6, FIG. 20D: Pax4, FIG. 20E: NKX6.1, FIG. 20F: NGN3, FIG. 20G: glucagon, FIG. 20H: NeuroD, FIG. 20I: insulin, FIG. 20J: chromogranin. This Figure shows that addition of ascorbic acid at stage 3 or at stages 3 and 4 significantly decreased expression of somatostatin and glucagon at stages 4-5 while increasing expression of insulin (see FIG. 20A, FIG. 20G, and FIG. 20I). Furthermore, at stages 4-5 expression of pancreatic endoderm markers, such as PDX-1 and NKX6.1 was not significantly altered by addition of 0.25 mM ascorbic acid (see FIG. 20B and FIG. 20D). At stages 4-5, Pax6 expression was down regulated and Pax4 expression was maintained (see FIG. 20C and FIG. 20D). At end of stage 5, cultures treated +/− ascorbic acid at S3-S5 were immune stained for insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin hormones. Table VII summarizes average percentage of insulin positive cells, glucagon and somatostatin positive cells, and polyhormonal cells (two more hormone expression in one cell).

TABLE VII Expression of hormones as a percentage of the entire hormone count % single % glucagon + hormonal plus % Treatment Insulin+ somatostatin+ % Polyhormonal Control 16 83 50 +ascorbic acid at S3-S4 55 44 36

Example 12 Optimal Dose of Ascorbic Acid at Stage 3

This Example was carried out to determine the optimal dose of ascorbic acid to be used to generate insulin positive cells that are single hormonal, PDX-1 positive, and NKX6.1 positive.

Cells of the human embryonic stem cell line H1 at various passages (passage 40 to passage 52) were seeded as single cells at a density of 100,000 cells/cm² on MATRIGEL™ (1:30 dilution) coated dishes in mTesr™1 media and 10 μM of Y27632. Forty eight hours post seeding, cultures were differentiated into pancreatic endocrine lineage as follows:

-   -   a. Stage 1 (Definitive Endoderm (DE)—3 days): Prior to start of         DE, the cultures were washed and incubated with incomplete PBS         (no Mg or Ca) for 30 seconds followed by addition of the stage 1         media. Human embryonic stem cells cultured as single cells on         MATRIGEL™-coated dishes were treated with MCDB-131 medium         supplemented with 0.1% fatty acid-free BSA, 0.0012 g/ml sodium         bicarbonate, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 5 mM D-Glucose, and 100 ng/ml GDF8         plus 1 μM MCX compound (GSK3B inhibitor) for one day. Cells were         then treated with MCDB-131 medium supplemented with 0.1% fatty         acid-free BSA, 0.0012 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 5         mM glucose, and 100 ng/ml GDF8 plus 100 nM MCX compound for day         two, followed by an additional day in MCDB-131 medium         supplemented with 0.1% fatty acid-free BSA, 0.0012 g/ml sodium         bicarbonate, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 5 mM Glucose, and 100 ng/ml GDF8.     -   b. Stage 2 (Primitive gut tube—2 days): Stage 1 cells were         treated with MCDB-131 medium supplemented with 0.1% fatty         acid-free BSA, 0.0012 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 5         mM D-Glucose, with or without the addition of 0.25 mM ascorbic         acid and 25 ng/ml FGF7 for two days.     -   c. Stage 3 (Foregut-2 days): Stage 2 cells were treated with         MCDB131 medium supplemented with 1:200 dilution of ITS-X, 2.5 mM         Glucose, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 0.0015 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 2% fatty         acid-free BSA, 10 ng/ml Activin A, 25 ng/ml FGF7, 0.25 μM         SANT-1, +/−0.25 mM ascorbic acid, 1 μM RA, 200 nM TPB, 100 nM         LDN-193189 for day 1, followed by treatment with MCDB131 medium         supplemented with 1:200 dilution of ITS-X, 2.5 mM Glucose, 1×         GLUTAMAX™, 0.0015 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 2% fatty acid-free         BSA, 10 ng/ml Activin A, 25 ng/ml FGF7, 0.25 μM SANT-1, +/−0.25         mM ascorbic acid, 1 μM RA, 200 nM TPB, 10 nM LDN-193189 for an         additional day.     -   d. Stage 4 (Pancreatic foregut precursor-2 days): Stage 3 cells         were treated with MCDB131 medium supplemented with 1:200         dilution of ITS-X, 2.5 mM Glucose, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 0.0015 g/ml         sodium bicarbonate, 2% fatty acid-free BSA, 0.25 μM SANT-1, 50         nM RA, 200 nM TPB, 50 nM LDN-193189, with or without the         addition of 0.25 mM to 1 mM ascorbic acid for two days.     -   e. Stage 5 (Pancreatic endoderm, 2-9 days): Stage 4 cells were         treated with MCDB131 medium supplemented with a 1:200 dilution         of ITS-X, 2.5 mM Glucose, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 0.0015 g/ml sodium         bicarbonate, 2% fatty acid-free BSA, 0.25 μM SANT-1, 50 nM RA,         with or without the addition of 0.25 mM ascorbic acid for 2-9         days.

FIG. 21A to FIG. 21J depict data from real-time PCR analyses of the expression of the following genes in cells of the human embryonic stem cell line H1 differentiated according to the Example 12. FIG. 21A: somatostatin, FIG. 21B: PDX1, FIG. 21C: Pax6, FIG. 21D: Pax4, FIG. 21E: NKX6.1, FIG. 21F: NGN3, gFIG 21G: NeuroD, FIG. 21H: insulin, FIG. 21I: glucagon, FIG. 21J: chromogranin. Consistent with the data from Example 10, addition of ascorbic acid at stages 2-4 significantly reduced expression of somatostatin, glucagon, and Pax6 while maintaining expression of insulin and Pax4 at stage 5. Furthermore, there was no significant benefit in using, at S4, 0.5-1 mM ascorbic acid as compared to 0.25 mM ascorbic acid. Lastly, addition of ascorbic acid at stage 2 also proved effective in lowering expression of glucagon and somatostatin at stage S3-5 while maintaining expression of insulin. Thus, ascorbic acid acts in a stage-specific fashion to regulate expression of single hormonal cells. Addition of ascorbic acid is important in early stages of the differentiation protocol, whereas at later stages it did not prove as effective in reducing numbers of polyhormonal cells.

Example 13 Combination of Retinoic Acid and Ascorbic Acid is Required to Generate Single Hormonal Insulin Positive Cells

This Example was carried out to shed light on requirements to generate single hormonal insulin positive cells during differentiation of pluripotent cells.

Cells of the human embryonic stem cell line H1 at various passages (passage 40 to passage 52) were seeded as single cells at a density of 100,000 cells/cm² on MATRIGEL™ (1:30 dilution) coated dishes in mTesr™1 media and 10 μM of Y27632. Forty eight hours post seeding, cultures were differentiated into pancreatic endocrine lineage as follows:

-   -   a. Stage 1 (Definitive Endoderm (DE)—3 days): Prior to start of         DE, the cultures were washed and incubated with incomplete PBS         (no Mg or Ca) for 30 seconds followed by addition of the stage 1         media. Human embryonic stem cells cultured as single cells on         MATRIGEL™-coated dishes were treated with MCDB-131 medium         supplemented with 0.1% fatty acid-free BSA, 0.0012 g/ml sodium         bicarbonate, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 5 mM D-Glucose, 100 ng/ml GDF8, 1 μM         MCX compound (GSK3B inhibitor) for one day. Cells were then         treated with MCDB-131 medium supplemented with 0.1% fatty         acid-free BSA, sodium bicarbonate, GLUTAMAX™, extra 5 mM         glucose, 100 ng/ml GDF8, and 100 nM MCX compound for day two         followed by an additional day in MCDB-131 medium supplemented         with 0.1% fatty acid-free BSA, 0.0012 g/ml sodium bicarbonate,         1× GLUTAMAX™, 5 mM Glucose, and 100 ng/ml GDF8.     -   b. Stage 2 (Primitive gut tube—2 days): Cells were treated with         MCDB-131 medium supplemented with 0.1% fatty acid-free BSA,         0.0012 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 5 mM D-Glucose,         0.25 mM ascorbic acid, and 25 ng/ml FGF7 and for two days, then     -   c. Stage 3 (Foregut-2 days): Cells were treated with MCDB131         supplemented with 1:200 dilution of ITS-X, 2.5 mM Glucose, 1×         GLUTAMAX™, 0.0015 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 2% fatty acid-free         BSA, 10 ng/ml Activin A, 25 ng/ml FGF7, 0.25 mM ascorbic acid,         0.25 μM SANT-1, 1 μM RA, 200 nM TPB, 100 nM LDN-193189 for day         1, followed by treatment with tMCDB131 supplemented with 1:200         dilution of ITS-X, 2.5 mM Glucose, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 0.0015 g/ml         sodium bicarbonate, 2% fatty acid-free BSA, 10 ng/ml Activin A,         25 ng/ml FGF7, 0.25 mM ascorbic acid, 0.25 μM SANT-1, 1 μM RA,         200 nM TPB, 10 nM LDN-193189 for an additional day.     -   d. Stage 4 (Pancreatic foregut precursor-2 days): Cells were         treated with MCDB-131 medium supplemented with 1:200 dilution of         ITS-X, 2.5 mM Glucose, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 0.0015 g/ml sodium         bicarbonate, 2% fatty acid-free BSA, 0.25 μM SANT-1, 50 nM RA,         200 nM TPB, 50 nM LDN-193189, 0.1 mM ascorbic acid for two days,         then     -   e. Stage 5 (Pancreatic endoderm, 3 days): Cells were treated         with MCDB-131 medium supplemented with 1:200 dilution of ITS-X,         2.5 mM Glucose, 1× GLUTAMAX™, 0.0015 g/ml sodium bicarbonate, 2%         fatty acid-free BSA and the following culture conditions for 3         days:         -   +0.1 mM ascorbic acid         -   0.1 mM ascorbic acid+50 nM RA         -   0.1 mM ascorbic acid+50 nM RA+0.25 μM SANT-1         -   0.1 mM ascorbic acid+50 nM RA+0.25 μM SANT-1+50 nM             LDN-193189         -   0.1 mM ascorbic acid+50 nM RA+0.25 μM SANT-1+1 μM Alk5 inh         -   0.1 mM ascorbic acid+50 nM RA+0.25 μM SANT-1+1 μM Alk5             inh+50 nM LDN-193189.

FIG. 22A through FIG. 22L show data from real-time PCR analyses of the expression of Pax4 (FIG. 22A); Pax6 (FIG. 22B); PDX1 (FIG. 22C); PTF1a (FIG. 22D); glucagon (FIG. 22E); insulin (FIG. 22F); NeuroD (FIG. 22G); ngn3 (FIG. 22H); Zic1 (FIG. 22I); CDX2 (FIG. 22J); albumin (FIG. 22K); NKX6.1 (FIG. 22L) in cells of the embryonic stem cell line H1 differentiated according to example 13 and harvested at S5 day 3.

At end of stage 5, cultures treated with combinations listed above were immune stained for insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin hormones. Table VIII summarizes average percentage of insulin positive cells, glucagon and somatostatin positive cells, and polyhormonal cells (two more hormone expression in one cell).

As sown in FIG. 22 and Table VIII, below, addition of low dose retinoic acid plus ascorbic acid at stage 5 significantly reduced overall number of hormone positive cells while increasing percentage of single hormonal insulin positive cells as compared to cultures treated only with vitamin C at S5. Furthermore, combination of retinoic acid, ascorbic acid, sonic hedgehog inhibitor, and ALK5 inhibitor further increased number of single hormonal insulin positive cells as compared to cultures treated only with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). This data indicates that a unique combination of factors is needed to generate single hormonal insulin positive cells.

TABLE VIII Expression of hormones as a percentage of the entire hormone count at S5 day 3. % single % glucagon + Treatment at hormonal Plus % S5 Insulin+ somatostatin+ % Polyhormonal +Vitamin C 12 44 44 +RA + 27 26 43 Vitamin C RA + 44 21 34 Vitamin C + Alk5 inh + Shh Inh 

What is claimed is:
 1. An in vitro method for the stepwise differentiation of pluripotent cells into a population of cells comprising pancreatic endocrine cells, comprising: differentiating the pluripotent cells into foregut endoderm cells; and differentiating the foregut endoderm cells in a first medium supplemented with retinoic acid, ascorbic acid, a shh inhibitor and a BMP inhibitor, thereby producing the population of cells comprising the pancreatic endocrine cells.
 2. The in vitro method of claim 1, wherein the shh inhibitor is SANT-1.
 3. The in vitro method of claim 1, wherein the BMP inhibitor is LDN-193189 or Noggin.
 4. The in vitro method of claim 1, wherein differentiating the foregut endoderm cells in the first medium supplemented with retinoic acid, ascorbic acid, the shh inhibitor and the BMP inhibitor produces foregut precursor cells, and wherein the method further comprises: differentiating the foregut precursor cells in a second medium supplemented with a shh inhibitor.
 5. The in vitro method of claim 4, wherein the second medium is further supplemented with a BMP inhibitor.
 6. The in vitro method of claim 5, wherein the BMP inhibitor is LDN-193189 or Noggin.
 7. The in vitro method of claim 4, wherein the second medium is further supplemented with an ALK5 inhibitor.
 8. The in vitro method of claim 4, wherein the shh inhibitor in the second medium is SANT-1.
 9. The in vitro method of claim 4, wherein the second medium is further supplemented with retinoic acid.
 10. The in vitro method of claim 4, wherein the second medium is further supplemented with ascorbic acid.
 11. The in vitro method of claim 4, wherein the second medium further comprises a BMP inhibitor, and wherein differentiating the foregut precursor cells in the second medium supplemented with the shh inhibitor and the BMP inhibitor produces pancreatic endoderm cells and pancreatic endocrine precursor cells, and wherein the method further comprises: differentiating the pancreatic endoderm cells and the pancreatic endocrine precursor cells to form pancreatic endocrine cells in a third medium supplemented with a shh inhibitor.
 12. The in vitro method of claim 11, wherein the shh inhibitor in the second medium is SANT-1.
 13. The in vitro method of claim 11, wherein the third medium is further supplemented with retinoic acid.
 14. The in vitro method of claim 11, wherein the third medium is further supplemented with ascorbic acid.
 15. The in vitro method of claim 11, wherein the third medium is further supplemented with an ALK5 inhibitor.
 16. The in vitro method of claim 1, wherein the pancreatic endocrine cells are single hormonal insulin-producing cells which are also NKX6.1+ and PDX-1+. 